Upcoming events

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is hosting its first SEED SWAP on Saturday January 11th!  This event is FREE and open to the public so be sure to invite friends and family!

1. BEFORE COMING: If you bring something hand-collected to swap, please label it with any important information like plant name (common and scientific) and preferred growing conditions (sun vs shade and wet vs dry).Place your bulk cleaned seeds (seeds removed from unwanted plant materials) in an envelope, pill bottle, or bag.

2. AT THE SWAP:  we will transfer the seeds to bowls and make small signs denoting the seed type/information.

3. Attendees will scoop seeds from the bowls, place the seeds in a small envelope and write the plant name on the envelope.

4. Pre-packaged seeds are welcome at the Seed Swap. We ask that guests take only what they will grow. Envelopes are available for taking smaller portions.

5. Bringing seeds is not required for attending the Seed Swap.

Click the READ MORE button to find out about harvesting, cleaning, and collecting before coming on the 11th!

In addition, WOGC needs your help in packing seeds for our 2025 Information Tables throughout Northeast Ohio.  After you're done swapping seeds, please join us to fill seed envelopes and label the envelopes while enjoying the companionship of like-minded people. 

We look forward to seeing you!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Medina County Park District are teaming up to offer this cost-effective, low-maintenance way to add native plants to your landscape! 

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative FREE workshop to learn more about winter sowing and create your own mini-greenhouse of native plants to take home. Please bring one clean, clear, plastic, gallon milk jug with you to the event. All other supplies will be provided.

Registration required

Hello, 2025! We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland January monthly chapter meeting!

Discussion: Annual Meeting Recap

Educational Topic: Winter Sowing

You have the seeds, now what?! Our Social Media Chair, Cassie Hoover, will be giving a presentation on Winter Sowing. She has been a long-time winter sower at home, and with the chapter's freshly updated Keystone Presentation on the topic, she will teach us all we need to go to get our native plants from seeds to sprouts!

Time: Jan 21, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is teaming up with Lorain County Community College (LCCC) to offer this cost-effective, low-maintenance way to add native plants to your landscape!

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about winter sowing, and create your own mini-greenhouse of native plants to take home.  Please bring one clear, clean gallon-sized milk jug with you.

Class will be held in the Lab Sciences Building Room 223

See campus map here to see where the Lab Sciences Building is: LCCC Campus Map

Registration required

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and National Wildlife Federation's Sacred Grounds are teaming up to offer this hands-on, cost-effective, and low-maintenance way to begin growing native plants using a milk jug! 

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about winter sowing and create your own mini greenhouse of native plants to take home. All supplies will be provided.

Registration required

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is teaming up with Portage Park District to offer this cost-effective, low-maintenance way to add native plants to your landscape!

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about winter sowing, and create your own mini-greenhouse of native plants to take home.  Please try to bring 1 clear, clean gallon milk jug.  All other supplies will be provided.  

Registration Required

Monthly Board Meeting

Spend your afternoon with Greater Cleveland Wild Ones at BrewDog Cleveland Outpost for a fun-filled Native Plant Game Social! 

From 1:00–3:00 PM, we'll play Nature Dads' Native Plant Party, a 2-4 player card game.

"This fast and easy card game celebrates this in a straightforward & friendly competition: which player can invite the biggest party to their house before the time runs out?"

A reserved table will provide the perfect spot to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts in a laid-back atmosphere. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. BrewDog also has shuffle boards and pinball machines for those waiting a turn at the card game.

This event is open for all, but the game is recommended for kids in 3rd grade and up.  Join us for an engaging afternoon of games and great company!

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic:  The Founding and Impact of Friends of Impett Park

Speaker: Kate Catanese 

Kate is the Co-Founder and Lead Organizer for Friends of Impett Park and a Professor of Psychology at Cuyahoga Community College. She will be joining us to share her journey in founding Friends of Impett Park and some of the inspiring stories behind their impactful projects.

Her talk will highlight:
-The creation of a 3,000 sq. ft. native wetland garden
-Invasive species removal efforts
-A community mural project
-The development of a new playground and pavilion
-Advocacy for preserving the native tree canopy
-Grants and funding sources that have supported their projects 
 

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is teaming up with Lake Erie Nature and Science Center to offer this cost-effective, low-maintenance way to add native plants to your landscape!

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about winter sowing, and create your own mini-greenhouse of native plants to take home.  Please try to bring 1 clear, clean gallon milk jug.  All other supplies will be provided.  

Registration Required

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland Winter Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass

Join us for an engaging book club event in partnership with Cleveland Public Library! We’ll explore Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a powerful reflection on the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world.

Borrow or Purchase the Book:  Take advantage of your local library and borrow a copy through the CLEVNET system or your local library’s catalog. Prefer to own the book? Support a local bookstore or find a pre-loved copy at a used bookstore!

Gratitude Exercise: Led by Sarah from YouBloom Yoga & Wellness, inspired by themes from the book.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and reflect on ways we can integrate gratitude and ecological awareness into our daily lives. Light refreshments will be provided to enjoy during the discussion.

Register for the In Person Event Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-club-braiding-sweetgrass-in-person-tickets-1222990109339

Register for the Virtual Event Here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-club-braiding-sweetgrass-virtual-tickets-1230901101329 

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

Please join us for a virtual presentation on The Importance of Wetland & The Great Amphibian Migration!

Guest Speaker: Madi Bacci from the Cleveland Metroparks

Time: Mar 13, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting Here!

Meeting ID: 883 6849 9975
Passcode: $t5Auv

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: Lights Out Cleveland

Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate through Ohio on their way between their breeding and overwintering grounds. Most species of songbirds migrate at night, and lights on tall buildings or aimed at the sky can disorient them and draw them into buildings. This causes many birds to strike windows or circle buildings until they fall from exhaustion. Lights Out Cleveland is working to change that.

Speaker: Tim Jasinski, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist at Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (LENSC) and co-founder of Lights Out Cleveland, which makes urban landscapes safer for migratory birds

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

NATIVE PLANTS & POLLINATORS | FREE EVENT Join The Garden Club of Kent (Ohio) for "Native Plants & Pollinators" on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ode to Joy building, 480 Ravenna Rd. in Streetsboro. Learn more about native plants and pollinators with Janice Arch, president of Wild Ones Greater Cleveland, along with Cat Miller, OSU Master Gardener and volunteer speaker with The Xerces Society. More at 

Gather with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland by the fire at the beautiful Lodge at Allardale for a cozy evening of fun and community!

In partnership with Medina County Parks District, we'll be playing Nature Dads' newly released Native Plant Party card game, a 2-4 player game!

"This fast and easy card game celebrates this in a straightforward & friendly competition: which player can invite the biggest party to their house before the time runs out?"

Warm up with hot chocolate and snacks, and join us in packing seeds of multiple species that have already been harvested and cleaned, awaiting the final packaging for distribution to an increasing number of people eager to landscape with Ohio's own rich flora.

We will fill seed envelopes and label the envelopes while enjoying the companionship of like-minded people.  You will also leave with sample packets of seeds we process and a good feeling about your concrete endeavor to fulfill our mission.  

This event is open for all, but the game is recommended for kids in 3rd grade and up. Don't miss this night of games, laughter, and connection!

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up at the Westlake Rain and Garden Show.

The Rain and Garden Show is an annual event hosted by the City of Westlake and the Westlake Watershed Group. The show aims to raise awareness about stormwater management, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable living. Residents and local businesses are invited to explore a variety of booths and displays featuring products and services that promote environmental stewardship, from rain barrels and native plants to composting techniques and energy-efficient home solutions.

There will be a Kid Zone from 11a - 2p with special guests, face painting, balloon clown and contests.

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland’s Ring in Spring series presents:

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Portage Park District as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

Spring Ephemeral  Slow Hike Bioblitz!

This April, as we explore the beauty of spring ephemerals on our guided hikes, we invite you to document the plants we encounter through our iNaturalist Bioblitz! By joining our 2025 Spring Ephemeral Hikes WOGC project on iNaturalist, you can contribute valuable data while deepening your connection to the landscape. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just starting out, every observation helps us celebrate and track these fleeting spring blooms.

Download the iNaturalist app, create a log-in, join our project, and let’s discover together!

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center Family Earth Day Celebration.

Come learn about Lake Erie, its history and how we all can take care of it! Walk down to the beach to test water quality. There will be opportunities to meet with local groups that support keeping our Great Lake great.

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland’s Ring in Spring series presents:

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Medina County Park District as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

Spring Ephemeral  Slow Hike Bioblitz!

This April, as we explore the beauty of spring ephemerals on our guided hikes, we invite you to document the plants we encounter through our iNaturalist Bioblitz! By joining our 2025 Spring Ephemeral Hikes WOGC project on iNaturalist, you can contribute valuable data while deepening your connection to the landscape. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just starting out, every observation helps us celebrate and track these fleeting spring blooms.

Download the iNaturalist app, create a log-in, join our project, and let’s discover together!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland’s Ring in Spring series presents:

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Lorain County Park District as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

Spring Ephemeral  Slow Hike Bioblitz!

This April, as we explore the beauty of spring ephemerals on our guided hikes, we invite you to document the plants we encounter through our iNaturalist Bioblitz! By joining our 2025 Spring Ephemeral Hikes WOGC project on iNaturalist, you can contribute valuable data while deepening your connection to the landscape. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just starting out, every observation helps us celebrate and track these fleeting spring blooms.

Download the iNaturalist app, create a log-in, join our project, and let’s discover together!

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: Spring Ephemerals and Woodland Plants

Before most trees leaf out, old friends return to our lives: spring ephemeral wildflowers. There is no better way to be reminded that the world is coming out of winter dormancy than to be greeted by these lovely blooms that grace our forest floor each spring.
Found throughout the eastern United States and Canada, spring ephemerals thrive on the floor of rich, undisturbed woodlands. As their name suggests, spring ephemeral wildflowers bloom for a short time each spring. As understory forest dwellers, they only have a short window of suitable conditions for aboveground growth between frozen ground in winter and full shade of the summer canopy. 
This presentation is meant to help you identify the plants that make Ohio forests so exciting in the spring and to learn what ephemerals can thrive in your yard or garden, where to plant them, how to care for them, and which pollinators benefit from these early bloomers.

Speaker: Gale Martin, owner of Natives in Harmony in Marengo, OH.

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland’s Ring in Spring series presents:

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland at Cleveland Metropark North Chagrin Reservation as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

Spring Ephemeral  Slow Hike Bioblitz!

This April, as we explore the beauty of spring ephemerals on our guided hikes, we invite you to document the plants we encounter through our iNaturalist Bioblitz! By joining our 2025 Spring Ephemeral Hikes WOGC project on iNaturalist, you can contribute valuable data while deepening your connection to the landscape. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just starting out, every observation helps us celebrate and track these fleeting spring blooms.

Download the iNaturalist app, create a log-in, join our project, and let’s discover together!

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up at Lorain County Community College Earth Day and Plant Sale!

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up at Earth Fest.

Join on and off campus organizations and departments for a fun-filled Earth Day event with food trucks, music, student activities, information, giveaways, and prize drawings. The purpose of this event is to: 1) increase students’ awareness of sustainability on and off campus 2) engage students in educational activities and 3) inspire students’ actions in the sustainability movement. All sustainability-related organizations are encouraged to participate including those with a focus on prosperity (economy), people (social), or planet (environment). 

In honor of Arbor Day, Wild Ones Greater Cleveland invites you to join us virtually for an informative talk on our trees.

Join biologist Christopher Chaney, from Summit Metro Parks, as he shares his love of native Ohio trees, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your landscape.

Register through the link and you'll receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up as we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at Adell Durbin Park in Stow.

There will be fun for the whole family including activities for children. 

Guided Hikes:  10:30 AM & 11:30 AM (explore the signs of spring and marvel at the beauty of nature), City of Stow Urban Forestry - Pick up a passport - visit the organizations for your stamps - return it for a FREE TREE!, Ask the Arborist, Mulching Demo for kids11:00 AM - Planting a Tree Demonstration, Summit Metro Parks - Learn about Wild Back Yards, Summit County Master Gardeners - Gardening information and Making Seed Balls, Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library - children's craft, and more!

Additional Parking Available:  LaTuchie Tennis Center: 3200 Darrow Rd., Stow

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up to celebrate Earth Day with Medina County!

There will be an eye glass collection for glasses to be reused or recycled, a clothing and textile drive, and eco fair and market, local food trucks, library bookmobile, house plant swap, bug zoo, tree seedling giveaway and more!

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up to celebrate Earth Day with the Akron Zoo! Local conservation organizations will be on-grounds for a fun-filled day of education, conservation-themed activities, crafts and more! 

General admission rates apply for this event.

Come join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland as we will have an informational table set up at the Vermilion River Watershed Open House/Free Exhibit.

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland’s Ring in Spring series presents:

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Summit Metro Parks as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

Spring Ephemeral  Slow Hike Bioblitz!

This April, as we explore the beauty of spring ephemerals on our guided hikes, we invite you to document the plants we encounter through our iNaturalist Bioblitz! By joining our 2025 Spring Ephemeral Hikes WOGC project on iNaturalist, you can contribute valuable data while deepening your connection to the landscape. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just starting out, every observation helps us celebrate and track these fleeting spring blooms.

Download the iNaturalist app, create a log-in, join our project, and let’s discover together!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Education Topic: Science for All: How to Engage in Community Science    

We want you to know that science is for everyone! You don’t need a degree in order to participate in quality scientific endeavors. All you need is a passion for nature and learning and keen observation skills. Join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland to learn about community science, the projects that are available to you, and how to get involved.

Speaker: Holly Stoneberg is the Education Program Coordinator for Portage Park District, teaching nature-based education to students of all ages. Holly also coordinates in the park district’s community science efforts.  

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: Beyond Bees & Butterflies: Less Popular Pollinators

Beetles, wasps, moths, birds and...ants?  So many other wildlife neighbors pollinate and help propagate native plants in our home garden beds. Tune in to discover the surprising pollinators visiting your yard this warm season!

Speaker: Becca Zak, Interpretive Naturalist, Summit Metro Parks.  A jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, every bit of the natural world is worth observing and celebrating! Becca became a native plant nerd after falling in love with birds, then caterpillars and encourages people to turn their environmental passion into action by transitioning their yards to native habitat.  Join her at Summit Metro Parks for a monthly program series called Homegrown Habitat where she provides guidance on a variety of home landscaping topics.

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Join Wild Ones Greater Cleveland to get an exclusive look behind the scenes at Avonlea Gardens, a family-owned nursery that focuses on natives.

Learn about their nursery operation, ongoing property improvements, and lessons they've learned since they've been operating the nursery. Stick around afterwards for personalized help selecting plants for your garden!  A 20% discount will be offered when purchasing plants the night of the tour.

After the tour, join fellow Wild Ones and native plant enthusiasts for a bite to eat or drink down the street at Brown Barn Tavern.  Come for the tour and stay for the comradery!

The nursery has limited parking on site; additional parking is available at the Fowler's Mill (across the street from Avonlea - address - 12500 Fowlers Mill Rd, Chardon, OH 44024.

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: TBD

Speaker: TBD

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: TBD

Speaker: TBD

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: TBD

Speaker: TBD

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Details coming soon! 

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

Details coming soon! 

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: TBD

Speaker: TBD

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Monthly Officer/Board Meeting

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Educational Topic: TBD

Speaker: TBD

Discussion Topic: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting - Click this link!

Meeting ID: 819 6378 2294
Passcode: Gr8TCLE!

Details coming soon!