Healing the earth, one yard at a time.
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Dear Wild Ones Members, Friends and Supporters,
Wherever you are and whatever challenges you are facing during this time,
we want you to know how important you are to us and to all living beings on our planet. Facing the COVID-19 challenge together reminds us that the best response to a crisis is to take positive action as a community to protect not only our own welfare, but also the lives and health of all beings.
Though much has changed, one thing remains the same: nature’s power to heal us. We can still restore, rejuvenate and de-stress in our natural areas and gardens - even if we have to do it at a 6-foot distance.
During this time, the best way to get current information about our events is to check the
calendar page
of our website. Click on a calendar event to get details.
Please plan to join us online via Zoom for our Open Forum on Monday, April 13th at 6:00pm. We want to hear from you and know how we can best connect during these times.
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Open Forum:
Wild Ones Community Meeting
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Monday, April 13, 6:00pm
Online Zoom meeting
Join us for our first free conversation online on Zoom!
We want to hear from you about how the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones can help you as a gardener, landscaper, chapter member or responsible citizen. Please come with program ideas, wild suggestions, and opinions about what we are doing well and what we can do better.
You'll need to sign up as a user on
Zoom
. It's free!
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Help With Behind-the-Scenes Research About Native Plants
Reflection Riding is hoping to obtain profiles about all of the
plants
that are offered for sale, including the pollinators that they benefit. An
example
of what is desired is the profile that was created for the Cherokee Sedge. If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact
Corey Hagen
at Reflection Riding. The time you spend doing this research will count for volunteer time for the Certificate in Native Plants.
Give an Online "Tour" of YOUR Native Plant Garden
While we're staying at home, how about sharing short videos about what's happening in YOUR garden. Several video "tours" have already been posted by members on our
Facebook Group page
. Check them out, and then post YOURS!
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The Certificate in Native Plants program is designed to expand students' knowledge of botany, ecology, conservation and uses of native flora in the southeastern United States. The CNP offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and guided hikes. Participants are required to complete four core classes, eight electives, and 40 hours of volunteering for approved native plant projects.
Visit
www.TNValleyWildOnes.org/CNP
for more information. Classes are open to Wild Ones members and non-members, whether or not you are pursuing the certificate.
NOTE:
Registration for May and June CNP classes is currently closed.
Registration will be reopened, once accommodations
for the COVID-19 situation are finalized.
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Instructors: Mary Priestley & Charlotte Freeman
Saturday, May 30, 2020
9:00am - 4:00pm
Reflection Riding & Nature Center
Chattanooga TN
CORE Class (6 credits)
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Instructor: Bill Phillips, PhD
Saturday, June 13, 2020
9:00am - 12:30pm
Volkswagen of Chattanooga
ELECTIVE Class (4 credits)
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Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the following events have been cancelled for 2020:
Trails & Trilliums
"Master Your Garden" Garden Expo
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
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Basic Gardening Roundtable:
Native from the Beginning
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Monday, May 18, 2020
Monday, September 14, 2020
Monday, November 16, 2020
6:00pm
green|spaces
63 E. Main St., Chattanooga TN
FREE and Open to the Public
Do you want to learn more about gardening with native plants? Bring your questions, victories, failures, your fears and your triumphs, for an informal garden roundtable with experienced native plant gardeners. We will offer pragmatic advice on design, plant selection, sourcing, and difficulties encountered from our combined experience.
The May meeting will likely be presented online via Zoom. Check our
calendar
for more information closer to the date of the event.
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Habitat Hero Awards
and Special Speaker Presentation
Friday, September 11, 2020 evening time TBA
Native Plant Garden Tour
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Save the Dates!
More information coming soon.
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Where to Buy Native Plants
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Many regional nurseries are offering mail order and curbside plant purchases.
Please check their websites and call in advance for details.
Our
website
provides a list and contact information for
local and regional native plant nurseries.
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Reflection Riding
Spring Plant Sale is Online
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Reflection Riding's plant guys have been working nonstop to prep for this new, surprise iteration of the plant sale, and it's ready for you to shop! Click below to check out the inventory below to find your perfect match.
And remember: Reflection Riding members get 10% off, and Reflection Riding is offering delivery!
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Crabtree Farms Spring Plant Sale
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This year's spring plant sale will look much different than it has in years past. With the public health situation re: COVID-19 impacting our community, Crabtree Farms is reformatting its plant sale to keep our community safe health-wise while buying plants.
Here's what you can expect:
- 400+ plant varieties each uploaded to the online platform so that plant-lovers can browse and purchase plants from the comfort and safety of their homes.
- The go-live date of the online plant sale will be announced later this week. “Open for business” is expected to be by April 13th
- Pick up of plants will be a pre-scheduled “curb-side” format.
- Limited delivery slots available.
Please keep an eye on the
website
, Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Reach out to Melissa Astin
mastin@crabtreefarms.org
/ 423-493-9155 ext. 10 if questions arise.
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Overhill Gardens Announces
Local Curbside Delivery Option
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Overhill Gardens is introducing a new Chattanooga area curbside delivery option exclusively with Wild Ones. As we are aware that you may have missed out on recent opportunities to acquire plants for your garden, we believe this new plant acquisition opportunity can help support folks in their garden work during our wonderful spring planting season. Even the tiniest garden can bring great joy during these challenging days.
Take a look at the compilation of plant availability by downloading the plant order form below, and use it to make your choices, submitting directly to
eileen@overhillgardens.com
.
If there is a good level of response to justify sending trucks and trailers, Overhill can begin to schedule weekly delivery to Bill Moll's driveway in Red Bank.
The inventory will be updated as supplies modify. Early week orders will be more rapidly processed for end of that week.
Delivery expenses will be nominal.
Purchases may be paid with credit card over the phone.
Eileen Askey: 423 836 8242
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April 24-27
Chattanooga Region
UPDATE: The CNC is on!
The global organizer group has decided to continue with the challenge. While no longer a competition, we're hoping the CNC will help Chattanooga come together virtually as we all participate from home and show the world what's in our collective backyard. Even if you can't leave the house, you can help by identifying species from your smartphone or computer.
What is the City Nature Challenge?
A global science competition to find and document biodiversity in local communities. The annual challenge is intended to engage residents and communities to find and document plants, animals, and other living organisms in their urban areas. The CNC is partnering with
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
as the local organizer for Chattanooga's 2020 City Nature Challenge and encouraging people from all over the greater Chattanooga Region to get out in their own backyards, local parks and favorite trails (please observe current park and trail closures, follow any social distancing guidelines and adjust your plans as needed) to observe nature and upload their observations to
iNaturalist.org
during the 4-day challenge set for April 24 - 27, 2020. We have so many awesome species in Chattanooga and we want to showcase the amazing biodiversity that exists in our region! Will you be a small part of this big nature challenge?
More details about virtual events and volunteer opportunities during the 4-day challenge will be posted on the Facebook page as they become available.
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Southern Highlands Reserve
Native Plant Conference
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August 22, 2020
Our Native Giants: The Role of Trees in the Landscape
2020 Native Plant Conference
Southern Highlands Reserve
Lake Toxaway, NC
Online registration will open July 15. Early bird registration for Sustainers and Sponsors begins July 1.
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Coronavirus News & Resources
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The National Association of Landscape Professionals is monitoring the development, regulations, and guidance surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19). Their government relations, legal, and HR teams are analyzing the latest developments and providing updated information on a dedicated web page. Click below for more information, including
links and resources articles specifically for landscape professionals dealing with COVID 19.
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How to Help Scientists Without Leaving Home
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The natural world doesn't slow down just because humans have to. Outside, buds burst from branches; high, high above them, distant objects traverse the solar system. And while the world keeps going, science does, too. If you have a computer, a phone, and a window, you can help with these citizen science projects...from surveying the sky to annotating your backyard.
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Fallen leaves have all the properties and benefits of expensive wood mulch
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In addition to butterflies, bumble bees also rely on leaf litter for protection. At the end of summer, mated queen bumble bees burrow only an inch or two into the earth to hibernate for winter. An extra thick layer of leaves is welcome protection from the elements. There are so many animals that live in leaves: spiders, snails, worms, beetles, millipedes, mites, and more – that support the chipmunks, turtles, birds, and amphibians that rely on these insects for food.
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Tennessee Valley Wild Ones member Mike O'Brien
has been outdoors with his camera again,
and we're delighted to share a few of his images.
Thanks so much Mike!
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Trumpet Honeysuckle or Coral Honeysuckle (
Lonicera sempervirens).
Nectar source for hummingbirds and some moths,
and a host plant for the Snowberry Clearwing Sphinx moth.
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Plantain Leaf Pussytoes
(Antennaria plantaginifolia).
Host plant for the American Lady butterfly.
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Devil’s Cup, a saprophytic fungus usually seen around Oak trees
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Jacob's Ladder
(Polemonium)
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Joining or Renewing
Your Wild Ones Membership?
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Join a community of native plant enthusiasts – novices to experts – making a difference by establishing and preserving communities of native plants in home landscapes, schools, businesses, and communities.
AND receive benefits, including discounted admission for our annual Symposium and Certificate in Native Plants classes. As a member, you'll also be invited to members-only hikes, garden visits and social events.
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We are now on Instagram!
Follow us at
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Join our Meetup group to stay current about upcoming programs, classes and events.
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"Like" our public Facebook page, and stay up to date on our events and interesting information about native plants and natural landscaping.
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Join our Facebook GROUP, where you can ask questions about native plants, join discussions and learn more about native plants and natural landscaping.
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