Events

Deanna Leigh coordinator of MN DNR Plant Watch group – saving rare native plants:  Rare ones in Wild Habitats

Established in 2023, MN PlantWatch is a community science-driven initiative that supports and informs the conservation of Minnesota’s rare native plant species. MN PlantWatch volunteers search and survey for rare plants in their natural habitats, documenting their location, and providing information about population health and habitat threats.

This program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum , in collaboration with the Bell Museum Herbarium , Minnesota Master Naturalist Program  and the Minnesota Native Plant Society

Event hosted by all Minnesota Chapters.  Presented by Lucas Rhoads.

The SE MN Prairie Partners chapter of the Wild Ones, will present "Secrets of Monarchs & Milkweed" this Thursday, Feb 13th, 7pm. Presented by Barb Bolan. Come and join us as we explore seldom heard of details of Monarchs and their host plants, the milkweeds. We have many species of milkweeds in MN that are loved by monarchs. Why do Monarchs select certain ones to visit? When do they want fresh milkweed and when is older milkweed better for them? Why the spots on monarchs? How can I help them survive? All of nature, including monarchs and milkweed have amazing secrets. Knowledge gained may help us be more successful at creating habitats and saving our monarchs.

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.

Roadside project update (by Master Naturalists)

The Cannon River Valley chapter of Master Naturalists has picked up on an old DNR program to survey and restore roadsides in Rice County.  The DNR identified certain roadsides as having a high level of native plants back in about 2000.  The Master Naturalists picked up the project a couple of years ago to re-survey selected roadsides.  We helped survey some last year and plan to work with the Master Naturalists to ‘adopt’ certain restorable roadsides and help remove invasives and monitor and protect native plants.  This call will help us determine which sections we will work on how to proceed.  More information to be coming.

Bonnie Harper-Lore will present on “Lessons learned in Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity – Conservation in Action - from a book that was recently released.

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.

Come and celebrate at our annual Anniversary dinner!

Please note - Date is very flexible for this tour.  Ephemerals come out when they are ready, based on the weather and the season.

We will tour the spring ephemerals at the beautiful Rice Lake Park in Owatonna, MN.  Virginia Bluebells, Trout Lilies, Hepatica, Spring Beauty, Blood Root, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, Toothwort, Bellwort and more.  Plus, spring migration will be on and Rice Lake State Park is a beautiful place to bird.  Bring your binocs and wear good walking shoes.

Our annual native plant sale

Co-hosted with the Master Naturalists, we will take a Twilight Walk and record moth observations, look for frogs, fireflies Owls and more - Family event

Co-hosted with the Master Naturalists, we will take a Twilight Walk and record moth observations, look for frogs, fireflies Owls and more - Family event

Meet at the church then carpool to our designated roadsides to begin surveying native and invasive plants that are present.  We will make a plan for removing invasives and restoring the roadside.  These roadsides were identified through a DNR project back in 2001 as having native species in them.  We are assisting the local Master Naturalists in trying to restore them.

Although it is listed as a member's only event, we will be working with Master Naturalists (great deal of overlap in members between our chapter and them).

Byllesby tour stops - Mary D and Tim/Sue B places – lakeshore restoration and native plantings

We will be touring member's native plantings.  

Co-hosted with the Master Naturalists, we will take a Twilight Walk and record moth observations, look for frogs, fireflies Owls and more - Family event

August 14th, 2pm – Winona private Prairie tour and Whitewater Gardens (plants for sale)

Carpools will be available from the church, or meet us there.

Clean River Partners (CRP) – tour of a restoration project by the CRP group– Anna Holmon 

We will offer carpools from the church, or people can meet us on site.  The site address will be posted prior to the event.

We will be offering CRP a donation for conducting the tour.

Details coming soon! 

We will be offering a seed collection day on Saturday September 20th - 10AM  Seed harvest with the location and backup rain day date to be determined.  Stay tuned for more details.  

Participants will be able to harvest native seeds and take them home for their own use.  Experts will be on hand to help confirm species.

A carpool from the church will be offered.  Location of event details to be posted later.

Shelley Gorham, DNR – restorations for wildlife

Details coming soon! 

We will offer our annual Seed Share, led by Scott R., plus a seed germination demo by Nancy S, along with treats and appetizers, socializing time and our annual meeting to vote for 2026 officers

The event is open to all with the exception of only members will be able to vote for 2026 officers.

Details coming soon! 

Annual end-of-the-year luncheon St. Olaf Buntrock Commons.  Come hungry and ready to enjoy the company of fellow members.