Educational and Community Events

Class: Gardening Through the Seasons

 

Join local native garden expert, Jean Persley, for an informative gardening class designed for beginning gardeners as well as experienced green thumbs. Let's be real - gardening can feel overwhelming. When and how do we do specific gardening tasks? What about pollinators, seeds, weeds, Winter Sowing, volunteer plants, pruning, invasive plants? Let's walk thru the garden during all seasons: explore, learn, discover! This course is ideal for anyone interested in managing their garden with ease.

Learner Outcomes

At the end of this class, students will be able to:

  • Feel more at peace about their various gardening activities by having obtained the knowledge on the window for specific tasks.
  • Feel confident about managing their gardens for everything from invasives to pollinators to & to weed management.
  • Learn about some of the many wonders of nature, find the beauty in every season and be inspired to create your own garden dream!

WHEN: Oct 14, 6pm to 7:30pm

WHERE: Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus, 2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326; F Building, AH-F114 

COST: $15, Must pre-register at this link

Wild Ones, North Oakland Presentation: 

Rain Gardens: Using Native Plants to Enhance Success with Jacy Garrison

Jacy Garrison has been an Environmental Planner with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office for 19 years. In her role with the Environmental Unit, she helps oversee compliance with the County’s stormwater permit. For the past four years, Jacy has also served as an instructor in the Master Rain Gardener program, where she enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for native plant gardening.

At her own home in Metamora, Jacy has built five rain gardens and continues to expand her passion for creating thriving, sustainable landscapes. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UM-Dearborn.

Jacy will share her personal experience with designing and maintaining rain gardens at our October meeting. 

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 - 9pm

WHERE: Johnson Nature Center , 3325 Franklin Rd, MI, 48302 Map

COST: Free

Wild Ones Presentation: 
Next Steps for Nature 
with Doug Tallamy

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces.  Join Wild Ones for a free webinar, “Next Steps for Nature,” featuring the renowned Doug Tallamy.

“Next Steps for Nature” presented by Doug Tallamy
Date: Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Time: 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT / 5 PM MT / 4 PM PT
Join Us Virtually: A link will be provided with registration. This webinar will be recorded and available to watch after the premiere. And join the Live Chat: During the webinar premiere, join the live text-based chat on YouTube Live. Connect with a knowledgeable, hands-on, and supportive community.

To Register go to: https://wildones.org/next-steps-for-nature/ 

Rochester Pollinators 
Fall Seed Collection Meet Up

WHAT: Native Seed Collection in Howlett Park

Meet up with Marilyn Trent of Rochester Pollinators for our annual seed collection in the prairie restoration project at Howlett Park. Seeds we collect help to replenish the Native Seed Library at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve. You can also take seeds home for a winter sowing project, and expand your own pollinator garden in the spring!

WHERE: Howlett Park in Rochester, which is nestled in the neighborhood that lies east of Rochester Rd and North of Romeo Rd. The park is bounded by Inglewood Ave, Romeo Rd, Sycamore Dr, and Holy Family School

We'll park on Inglewood Ave, between Linwood Ave and Terry St., and meet on the west side of the park to begin.

WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 1-2pm (feel free to stay longer!)

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Gloves if you want them
  • boots or shoes for wet, spongy areas
  • scissors
  • dress for the weather.