Events Archive: 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Upcoming Events
January 2026
WOWC January Member Meeting - with Speaker Bob Hauser "My Journey to Sustainable Lanscaping & Lessons Learned Along the Way""
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Join us as we kick off 2026 with presentation on how an average homeowner and gardener grew to understand the importance of creating a more sustainanble landscape and all the mistakes he made along the way! If you are new to native plants and sustainable landscapes this will be a great opportunity to ask questions or share your own lessons learned.
Bob Hauser have been a Wild Ones member since 2010, and is currently the President of the Wild Ones Wayne County, MI chapter.
Free National Webinar: "Intergenerational Care for Land and Community: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer and Esther Bonney"
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
In this special collaboration, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author, botanist, and founder of Plant Baby Plant, joins youth leader and Nurture Natives founder Esther Bonney for an intergenerational conversation about belonging, reciprocity, and native plant action.
Together, they will explore questions such as:
How do we create opportunities for young people to have a voice and feel empowered, even when they are not homeowners or decision makers?What kinds of relationships and mentorships help people stay engaged in native plant work over decades?Why do stories, shared practices, and community invitations matter just as much as plant lists?
Robin and Esther will reflect on what invites people into this work, what keeps them here, and what elders and youth have to teach each other.
WOWC Seeds to Community Monthly Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This January meeting will include discussion on:
Winter Sowing Workshop Planning and Logistics
Seed Donations
Seed Data Updates
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Winter Sowing Workshop @ the EIC
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Registration Required Free Event Hands-On/How-To Workshop Seed/Plant Share Seed Handling Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Winter sowing involves creating a miniature greenhouse for your seeds to grow in. In this workshop you will learn how to use milk jugs or clear plastic jugs to sow seeds to be placed outside for the remainder of winter until they germinate and grow. It is is relatively low-cost and for that cost, is incredibly effective at germinating native plant seeds.
All seeds, soil, and materials will be provided. There is no cost to attend this event! However, we encourage you to consider a donation to support the continuation of the program.
This event consists of two sessions
9:00AM - 10:30AM
10:45AM - 12:15PM
This is a great opportunity create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. Hope to see you there!
Due to space and material limitations please find the registration link below.
If you are interested in volunteering, please mark it in your event registration.
February 2026
Shiver on the River 2026
Belle Isle Nature Center
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Shiver on the River 2026 returns to Belle Isle on Feb. 7!
Join the Belle Isle Nature Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Shiver on the River 2026, a free, family-friendly winter celebration on Belle Isle.
Throughout the island, you'll be able to enjoy hands-on activities for all ages focused on nature, learning and winter fun, in partnership with local community organizations.
At the Belle Isle Nature Center enjoy:
• Ice carving demonstrations
• Winter hiking
• Themed crafts
• Education stations
• Hot cocoa
• and more!
Shiver on the River is hosted with the Belle Isle Conservancy, Friends of the Detroit River and the Detroit Historical Society.
Winter Sowing Workshop @ the Henry Ford Centennial Library
Henry Ford Centennial Library
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Registration Required Free Event Seed/Plant Share Seed Handling Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Winter sowing involves creating a miniature greenhouse for your seeds to grow in. In this workshop you will learn how to use milk jugs or clear plastic jugs to sow seeds to be placed outside for the remainder of winter until they germinate and grow. It is is relatively low-cost and for that cost, is incredibly effective at germinating native plant seeds.
All seeds, soil, and materials will be provided. There is no cost to attend this event! However, we encourage you to consider a donation to support the continuation of the Wild Ones Wayne County Seeds to Community program.
This is a great opportunity create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. Hope to see you there!
Due to space and material limitations please find the registration link below.
If you are interested in volunteering, please mark it in your event registration.
Free National Webinar: From Wasteland to Wonder with Basil Camu
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Our upcoming webinar with Basil Camu explores practical, evidence based ways to heal suburban and urban landscapes by working with trees, soil, and natural systems, drawing on real world practices from Leaf & Limb and community centered models for restoring life where we live, work, and play.!
March 2026
Kelly Konieczki - Community Science: Why is it Important and How You & Your Kids Can Contribute
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Recording Available Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Take Action with Community Science!
Ever wondered how YOU can contribute to real scientific research? No matter what topic you're interested in, you can turn your curiosity into action with Community Science!
In this presentation, you’ll learn about the importance of this growing movement and how you can start building your knowledge and expertise, all while contributing to local and global projects–anytime and anywhere!
-Kelly
Free National Webinar: Rethinking Horticulture with Real Ecology presented by Joey Santore
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Join Joey Santore, creator of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, for a candid Wild Ones National Webinar examining how inherited garden aesthetics shape native plant landscapes. Drawing on field experience and real ecology, Joey challenges tidy design norms and explores why dense, irregular plant communities are often the most resilient and ecologically sound.
WOWC Seeds to Community March Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This March meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
March 21st Seed Swap Planning
May 3rd Up-Potting Event Planning
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Pollinator & Plant Seed Exchange
MSU Detroit Partnership for Learning and Innovation (DPFLI)
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Seed/Plant Share Free Public Parking
This free community event is focused on creating a community of Natives & Nourishments.
Don't have seeds to share? Come get some!
Have Extra Seeds? Share with the Community!
There will be hands-on planting experiences with both gardening and native plant experts on site.
What to bring:
- Washed, plastic jugs
- Paper Grocery Bag(s)
Come ready to learn and make connections with your community of people and plants.
April 2026
Belle Isle Nature Center Greenfest & Wayne County Wild Ones
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Wayne County Wild Ones will have a table at Greenfest 2026!
Greenfest is a free, family-friendly event that explores how simple actions can support a healthier environment for people, animals and nature. Go green with two days of community science initiatives, connection with local conservation experts, creative exploration and community connection.
Admission is free! So stop by to say Hello and help us celebrate sustainability!
WOWC Seeds to Community April Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This April meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
March 21st Seed Swap Recap
May 3rd Up-Potting Event Planning
Seed Collection Locations & Dates
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Community Science with Kelly Konieczki - Using iNaturalist to record the Natural World Around Us
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Hands-On/How-To Workshop Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Kelly Konieczki and Wayne County Wild Ones is inviting the public to join in a workshop to participate in the 2026 City Nature Challenge! The City Nature Challenge is a global activity organized by the Community Science teams at the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM). This event is designed to get people out in nature, learning about and cataloging all they see in iNaturalist.
Note: If you haven’t already, please create an iNaturalist account before the event by signing up here.
"Free National Webinar: What Is Wild and Why It Matters" presented by Rick Darke
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Join award-winning author, photographer, and educator Rick Darke for What Is Wild and Why It Matters, a free national webinar on Tuesday, April 28th at 10 am CT. Discover how inviting a bit of authentic wildness can create a vibrant landscape that sustains you and local biodiversity. This national event is presented in collaboration between Wild Ones and Homegrown National Park.
May 2026
Up-potting Workshop and Seedling Swap
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Registration Required Free Event Seed/Plant Share Seed Handling Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) Seeds to Community is happy to host our 2nd Annual Up-Potting Workshop at the EIC!
This event is an opportunity to come together and share the abundance seedlings from winter sowing. Bring your containers from winter sowing to up-pot seedlings and swap species with fellow community members! There will be additional stratified seeds from WOWC that will be ready to plant as well as seeds not requiring cold stratification. We would love for you to go home with the plants you would like for your space!
For those that are more ambitious or looking to make an even bigger impact, we are planning to plant seeds in trays to grow additional plants to be used by WOWC for upcoming planting projects, and we could use your help.
This is a free event and potting soil and containers will be provided. Register using the “Register” button below. While there is no cost to register, donations are suggested to cover cost of materials and support the program for the future!
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please fill out a short volunteer interest form.
WOWC May Member Meeting with Presentation: The Extraordinary Caterpillar Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Family-Friendly Free Event Chapter Meeting
Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee. Yet humans view the planet as a world centered around themselves. Landscapes are deconstructed to suit human needs, often with little regard for the natural systems that sustain the food web. The Extraordinary Caterpillar follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.
This is a movie about how we can grow the right plants in our yard to support a healthy ecosystem, with a focus on caterpillars and their importance in the food web. There is also amazing close-up photography in this presentation!
Crosswinds Marsh Nature Fest
Crosswinds Marsh
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event
Wayne County Wild Ones will be at Crosswinds Marsh Nature Fest!
This free event will feature live animals, nature activities, fishing, a nature scavenger hunt, canoeing, caricaturists, inflatables Bounce House, games, and more. Bait and a limited number of fishing poles are provided. Parents/chaperones must accompany children at all times during the event.
No registration is required for Nature Fest which is geared to all ages!
For more information, please call (734) 261-1990.
If you'd like to help out at the WOWC Table please complete the Volunteer Registration.
WOWC Programs Planning - May Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the third Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
WOWC Seeds to Community May Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This May meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
May 3rd Up-Potting Event Recap
Seed Collection Events Planning
Plant Swap Timing
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
June 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - June Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
AAt Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
Canton's National Trials & River Day
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event
Wayne County Wild Ones will be at the Canton National Trails / River Day!
Kayaking the Rouge River is the highlight of the day.
"This special event was designed to showcase the incredible Lower Rouge Trail system and give participants the chance to experience the beauty of outdoor recreation on the water right here in Canton,” -Sarah Pushies, Canton Health & Wellness Recreation Specialist
This event will also feature nature walks, birdhouse building, educational booths, and more. For additional information, please visit www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5460.
If you'd like to help out at the WOWC Table please complete the Volunteer Registration.
Driving Tour of Metro Detroit Pocket Forests
Public Welcome Free Event Public Garden Tour
Join the TreeTown Urban Forest Team at PocketForests.org for a Driving Tour of Pocket Forests in the Detroit Metro Area.
Carpool to the identified locations to visit the projects. A representative of each forest will be on hand to introduce their project and answer questions. Visit as many of the locations as your schedule allows.
Register to receive more detailed info closer to the date.
Driving Tour of Ann Arbor and Saline Pocket Forests
Public Welcome Free Event Public Garden Tour
Join the TreeTown Urban Forest Team at PocketForests.org for a Driving Tour of Pocket Forests in the Ann Arbor - Saline area.
Carpool to the identified locations to visit the projects. A representative of each forest will be on hand to introduce their project and answer questions. Visit as many of the locations as your schedule allows.
Register to receive more detailed info closer to the date.
WOWC Seeds to Community June Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This June meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Collection Planning
Seed Collection Notices
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
MSU Extension Pollinator Conference - Flint
Paid Event Public Welcome
Join Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) for a new and exciting one-day event about wild bees that pollinate vegetables, fruits, and wildflowers. This event includes 3 morning lectures from entomologists with expertise in wild bees and an afternoon of interactive breakout sessions on wild bee identification, photography, and habitat design. If you are looking for ideas to enhance habitat that supports pollinators, come join us at this event! Attendees will learn about Michigan wild pollinators and actions to support them in residential and community garden spaces.
Registration fee: $65
Registration includes lunch, snacks, and admission to Crossroads Village (closes at 5 p.m.).
Registration deadline: June 4 or when event reaches capacity.
Native Plant Sale with Michiganense Natives at the Belle Isle Nature Center
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Seed/Plant Sale Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
It's time for our annual Native Plant Sale!
We are again partnering with our friends at Michiganense Natives to provide you an opportunity to purchase native plants for your garden at the Belle Isle Nature Center. If you're not sure what to buy or how to get started, we'll be here to help and give recommendations. Come see us!
A portion of sales will benefit WOWC and our efforts to continue providing native plant resources and programming to our local residents and communities.
Learn more about the Belle Isle Nature Center here.
While admission to the Belle Isle Nature Center is free, a Recreation Passport is required to enter Belle Isle Park. Free, accessible parking is available directly in front of the Nature Center once on the island.
We are looking for member volunteers to help host the sale. Please register to volunteer if you are able!
Member-to-Member Yard Tours: Two Fantastic Yards in Livonia - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature two fantastic yards in Livonia.
The exact locations will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind members offering their space for tours. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
Yard One: Derek's Yard (1:00pm)
What began as a search for better vegetable harvests led to a passion for native plants, pollinator conservation, and community engagement. Tour a collection of evolving gardens created through experimentation, learning, and a commitment to sharing native plants and gardening knowledge with others.
Yard Two: Patrick's Yard (2:00pm)
What happens when a homeowner replaces every square foot of lawn with native plants? Visit Patrick's grass-free landscape to see a thriving habitat filled with pollinators, learn about his journey from traditional lawn care to native gardening, and discover what inspired him to give up his lawnmower for good.
Read More About Patrick's Yard
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
July 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - July Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
Member-to-Member EVENING Yard Tour: A Delightful Yard in Dearborn Heights - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This EVENING event will feature a Delightful yard in Dearborn Heights
The address for each yard will be communicated to both members and non-members who Register using the register button below.
Lisa's Yard (7:00pm)
What starts with a few purple coneflowers and a curious butterfly sighting? Find out by exploring this evolving suburban garden, where milkweed sparked a decade-long journey into native plants, blending wildlife-friendly additions with cherished legacy favorites.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
Member-to-Member Yard Tours: Two Lovable Yards in Livonia - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature two yards in Livonia.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
The exact locations will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind members offering their space for tours. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
WOWC Seeds to Community July Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This July meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Collection Planning
Seed Collection Notices
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Member-to-Member Yard Tour: The Remarkable Garden at the MSU Office in Romulus AND a Wonderful Butterfly Garden in Westland - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature two venues:
The Remarkable Garden at the MSU Extension Office in Romulus, AND
A Wonderful Butterfly Garden in Westland.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
The exact locations will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind members offering their space for tours. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
Bugtopia - Wayne County Parks
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event
Wayne County Wild Ones will be at the Bugtopia!
Details Coming Soon!
Member-to-Member Yard Tours: Two Dazzling yards in Detroit! Members Only
Members Only Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature two Dazzling in Detroit.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
The location for each visit will be communicated to all who register prior to the visit.
August 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - August Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
Member-to-Member EVENING Yard Tour: A Naturally Beautiful Yard in New Boston - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This EVENING event will feature a Naturally Beautiful Yard in New Boston.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
The exact location will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind member offering their space for a tour. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
Member-to-Member Yard Tour: A Phenomenal yard in Plymouth AND Plymouth Pollinator Gardens - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature a Phenomenal yard in Plymouth AND a curated tour of some of the Plymouth Pollinator Gardens.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
The exact locations will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind members offering their space for tours. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
WOWC Seeds to Community August Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This August meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Collection Planning
Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Field Trip and Inter-Chapter Social/Mingle at Micro Forest Members Only
Hosted by Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter and Wayne County Michigan ChapterMembers Only Family-Friendly Registration Required Chapter Social Public Garden Tour Home/Private Garden Tour Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking
It's time for a Field Trip!
One of our Wild Ones Member has a Micro Forest Project in Warren that looks amazing!
So, as an inter-chapter combined effort, the North Oakland Chapter and the Wayne County Chapter have arranged for an exclusive tour!
Not only will we get a chance to walk the forest and talk with the creator, after the forest tour we will head over to a nearby park for a Picnic/Pot-luck where we can also socialize and mingle with our fellow Native Plant Lovers.
Here is the schedule for the day:
10:45-11:00am Meet at Warren Micro Forest (Free parking on nearby streets)
11:00am Tour Start at Warren Micro Forest
11:45am Commute to nearby Park
12:00pm Picnic-Potluck Lunch
1:30pm (Optional) Commute to Yard Tour in Mt Clemens
2:00pm (Optional) Yard Tour of River-bank Native Garden (Private Residence)
2:45pm Safe Travels Home
We will be setting up Car Pooling from various locations to make the trek to the East Side.
The locations for the Picnic and the Optional Yard Tour will be communicated to all who Register. Please use the sign-up form or click the Register link below.
Click the Read More button for more information on the Warren Micro Forest.
Member-to-Member Yard Tour: A Stunning yard in Southgate - Public Welcome!
Public Welcome Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Members can look forward to Member-to-Member Garden Yard Tours throughout the growing season!
This day's event will feature a Stunning yard in Southgate.
The exact location will be communicated to all members and registered visitors prior to the visit to protect the privacy of our kind member offering their space for tours. We kindly ask that you register to receive this information and to give us an idea of how many attendees to expect. Hope to see you there!
Katie's Yard (1:00pm)
From a university interest in environmental studies to transforming a flood-prone backyard, this gardener has embraced native plants as both a practical solution and a source of wonder. Discover wet prairie blooms, a growing woodland, a wildlife pond, and lessons learned through experimentation.
Member-to-Member (M2M) yard visits (aka Show Me-Tell Me) allow members to share experiences, ideas, and challenges with maintaining native plants in our landscapes. These tours help members & invited guests to learn about different natives and enjoy conversations with other native plant enthusiasts.
September 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - September Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
WOWC Seeds to Community September Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This September meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Collection Planning
Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Free National Webinar- September 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - October Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
WOWC Seeds to Community October Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This October meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning
Winter Sowing Workshop Dates & Locations
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Stewardship Workday - Stewardship Saturday at the Environmental Interpretive Center
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map
Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Invasive Species Removal Habitat Installation/Maintenance Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity Drinking Fountains
Join WOWC for this Stewardship Saturday volunteer workday event to preserve the health of the Environmental Study Area at U of M-Dearborn!
This year-round, ongoing effort helps to improve and sustain the ecological health of the habitats in the Environmental Study Area. That includes addressing the many threats posed by invasive plants and re-establishing native plant life.
Children must be at least 10 years of age to participate.
All equipment for removing invasive plants will be provided by the Center. But if you can bring a sturdy pair of long-handled branch loppers, please do. Also, please bring your own drinking water and work gloves for use in the field.
This activity involves moderate physical activity in off trail natural habitat areas. Wear suitable work clothes that can be scraped and poked by twigs and/or the occasional thorny plant, or have contact with sticky bur seeds. A good pair of sturdy work shoes/boots is also a must. No sandals, please.
Read about this and other Volunteer Opportunities at the Environmental Study Area
The folks at the U of M-D EIC have been so generous to WOWC, this is a opportunity for us to give back. Registration suggested to help us plan with the EIC on the activity, but not required.
Free National Webinar- October 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - November Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
WOWC Seeds to Community November Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This November meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning
Winter Sowing Workshops Planning
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.
Free National Webinar- November 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
December 2026
WOWC Programs Planning - December Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF! And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in. It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:
-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours
Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities.
Members will receive an invite and Zoom link via email prior to the meeting.
Contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair with questions or ideas.
WOWC Seeds to Community December Planning Members Only
Online/Virtual
Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting
The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.
WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.
This December meeting will include discussion on:
Seeds Status Update
Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning
Winter Sowing Workshops Planning
Program Donations
Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.