Events

We are promoting a speaker event at the Menasha Public Library. 

We’ll learn about native plants that are the basis of sustainable, diverse, and beautiful gardens supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife. These gardens thrive without fertilizers, pesticides, mowing, or supplemental watering. Native garden examples will be shared. This is also a chance to meet other native plant gardeners and discuss plans for spring planting. Link to presenter bio can be read here. More information can be found here, including a virtual attendance option. **You need to view the library website to get the zoom link.

Establishing & Managing Native Plant Communities
Instructors: Shannon Davis-Foust and Mel Mohr
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9:00am-3:30pm
Location: UW Oshkosh Campus
Core Course (6 hours)

Description: The first half of this course will be on the basic essentials to starting a native planting; including an understanding of native plants, how to determine appropriate species for a site, site preparation, planting, and maintenance. The second half of the course will cover identifying weed problems, prioritizing weed species and resolving weed issues in a new or existing prairie. Learn how to differentiate between a weedy plant species and an invasive plant species and how to determine the need to take immediate action for one weed problem over another. This course will also go over different methods for controlling weeds through mechanical, chemical and burn management options.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Explore pristine land in the New London area. Bloodroot, trillium, and hepatica may be some of the species we encounter as we ramble through 164 acres of tamarack forest and wetlands. Photo buffs, bring your cameras to capture the ephemeral flowers in bloom. Boots, long pants, and insect repellent are recommended. Location will be emailed to registrants. Online registration due April 11.

Tour and learn about the USACE/WDNR Wetland Program to conserve and restore wetlands in WI. In 2024, 200 acres of drained agricultural land was converted to a mosaic of restored ephemeral and perennial wetlands, including a groundwater fen and habitats to protect water quality and provide habitat for pollinators, songbirds, and waterfowl. Recommend: Boots, long pants, and insect repellent.

Pre-order your plants for the best choice of grasses, ferns, forbs, sedges, vines, trees, and shrubs. The order form will be available February 2026. Deadline to place your order is March 31. Download an order form from www.foxvalleyarea.wildones.org

Nature Teaching Strategies for All Ages (Retreat + Course Combo!)

Instructor: Shannon Davis-Foust
Date/Time: May 27-29, 2026, 12 pm to 12 pm
Location: Lowenwood, Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin
Combined fee: $300 nonmembers/$255 members (includes lodging and meals)
Elective (6 hrs)
Description: Set in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods, here is the perfect opportunity to enhance your connection with nature. This retreat/course combines various teaching strategies to cultivate a deeper understanding of the natural world and inspire stewardship practices. Inquiry-based learning practices and hands-on activities will strengthen observation skills. Learn how to guide engaging ethical conversations in the field of conservation.

Open to the public, this course counts for the Wild Ones Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program. You will receive a Project WILD book and be certified in Project WILD upon completion. Activities can be scaled up or down to suit different ages.

Time will be provided for exploring and relaxing. If you have never been to Lowenwood, it’s a must see!

Here is a slideshow providing more information about the retreat location and itinerary. Email [email protected] for more information.

Registration deadline: May 1, 2026

You do not need to be a Wild Ones member to take this course.

This class counts towards the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Identifying Bugs in the Wild 
Instructor: Dr. Paul Whitaker
Format: Blended 3-part course
Dates/Times: virtual Monday, June 15, 2026, 7-8 pm, virtual Wednesday, June 17, 7-8 pm, and in person Saturday, June 20, 12-4 pm
Location: UW Stevens Point
Elective (6 hours)
Description: The overall goal of this course is to help you feel better equipped to identify insects associated with plants and to understand plant-insect interactions. You’ll need to spend some time outside of class to complete a modest collection of insect specimens and/or photographs. The virtual sessions will cover basic entomology content, including insect body structure, life stages, life cycles, and ecology. They will also give an overview of diversity of insects associated with land plants and introduce the insect (or photograph) collection project. Weather permitting, the in-person class will begin with an insect walk on the UWSP campus, allowing you to practice various insect collecting techniques. In the lab, we’ll use a variety of live and preserved insects to practice insect rearing and identification.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

The farm is the winner of the 2024 Aldo Leopold Conservation award. Enjoy a tour showcasing conservation and climate-friendly farming practices. Tree plantings, ponds, pollinator habitats, and bird havens will be highlighted. The location is 34 miles (45 minute drive) from the WILD Center. Carpooling is recommended. 

Butterflies of Wisconsin: Ecology, Identification, and Conservation
Instructor: Dr. Skye Bruce
Format: Blended 2-part course
Dates/Times:
Virtual Saturday, June 20, 2026, 6-8 pm
In person Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12-2 pm
Location: UW Madison Arboretum
Elective (4 hours)
Description: This course offers a comprehensive exploration into the science of Wisconsin’s native butterflies, focusing on their identification, ecology, and conservation. Through detailed study, participants will delve into the intricate life cycles of butterfly species and the critical role of host plants in their development and survival. The curriculum is designed to equip learners with the skills to identify key butterfly species and understand the selection and cultivation of appropriate host plants, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna in local ecosystems. Additionally, the course addresses the pressing threats to native butterfly populations and their habitats, from habitat loss to climate change, and discusses scientific strategies for conservation and population support. By combining fieldwork with classroom learning, participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing them to contribute effectively to conservation efforts and promote biodiversity within their communities. Recommended book: Butterflies of the North Woods by Larry Weber.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

The Buzz in Your Garden: Bumble Bees of Wisconsin Ecology, Identification and Conservation
Instructors: Judy Cardin and Susan Carpenter
Format: In person
Dates/Times: Saturday, July 11, 9:30 am-4:00 pm (half hour lunch on your own; bring a packed lunch)
Location: UW Arboretum Madison
Elective (6 hours)
Description: Our charming and peaceful pollinators need your help. Half of Wisconsin’s bumble bees species are threatened. This course shows how each of us can make a difference. Learn what is causing bee population declines, and how to support their native habitat and flower needs. Along the garden path we will learn to identify many of Wisconsin’s 20 bumble bee species. Participants will delve into the life cycles of bumble bees, and flower/bee mutualism resulting from the evolved phenologies of bumble bees and the native flowers they visit for nectar and pollen. We will also explore nesting and hibernation habitat needs, and life inside the bumble bee nest. The curriculum, a combination of classroom and field time, is designed to equip learners with the skills to identify Wisconsin bumble bee species, and the female, male and queen castes of species. We will take an in-depth look at floral and habitat needs of the endangered Rusty patched bumble bee to understand the selection and cultivation of appropriate native flowers and habitat. Additionally, the course addresses the threats to native bumble bee populations and their habitats, including habitat loss, disease, pesticides and climate change. Recommended book: Bumble Bees of North America by Paul Williams et al.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

See all of our course offerings this year.

Tour the native gardens grown and cared for by a local homeowners. They will share tips and insights for naturalizing your outdoor space. Bring questions and ideas on how to best create your own more bio diverse yard. Location will be emailed to registrants. Online registration foxvalleyarea.wildones.org due July 9. Rain date is July 30, 2026. 

An Introduction to Wisconsin Sedges 
Instructor: Patricia Trochlell
Format: In person
Date/Time: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 10:30am-3:00pm (1/2 hour for lunch – please bring your own)
Location: WILD Center, Neenah, WI
Elective (4 hours)

Description: Learn about the wonderful world of sedges. This course will introduce you to the sedges, one of the largest plant families with species commonly found in wetlands, prairies, savannas and woodlands. We will explore the diverse habitats where they can be found and discuss their ecological role. Basic sedge taxonomy will be introduced, with emphasis on quick diagnostic features of some Carex species and help learning the use of keys for identification. Examine dried and fresh sedge specimens in class, then observe them in their natural habitat in the field. Be sure to dress for outdoor conditions and bring any samples of sedges you have. Recommended books: "Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges" by Andrew Hipp and "Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota" by Welby Smith. A hand lens is recommended but a limited number will be available to use during the course. This course will be assisted by Tom Bernthal.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Pollinators after Dark 
Instructor: Jeffery Steele
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 7-11 pm
Location: Cherokee Marsh-North Unit
Elective (4 hours)

Description: Celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths on this class through Cherokee Marsh, Dane County’s largest wetland. Learn about about our native flowers that bloom at night and the insects that pollinate them as well as tips for creating your own native "moth garden." Afterwards, we will walk through prairies, woodlands, and sedge meadows to ultraviolet light stations and discover the hidden biodiversity of night-flying pollinators!

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Native Plant Ecology and Identification
Instructor: Dr. Paul Whitaker
Format: Blended 3-part class
Dates/Times:
virtual Monday Aug 3, 7-8 pm,
virtual Monday Aug 5, 7-8 pm,
in person Saturday Aug 8, 12-4 pm
Location: UW Stevens Point
Core Course (6 hours)
Description: Native plants have a variety of fascinating and important interactions with other species. The two virtual sessions will consider interactions that benefit plant through nutrient acquisition, communication, seed dispersal, pollination, and defenses against herbivores, pathogens, and plant competitors. They’ll also introduce aspects of plant anatomy that are helpful for plant identification. The in-person session will provide hands-on study of patterns in plant structures and how these patterns support native plant identification. Recommended resources: Botany Primer, Understanding Botany for Nature’s Notebook, USA-NPN and Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification by Thomas J. Elpel.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Visit a century farm that has converted 21 acres back to native grassland, natural pollinator areas, and a shoreline buffer along Mud Creek. Enjoy the beauty as you explore the many trails on the farm. Learn from the owner the ups and downs of managing restored agricultural land. Photo buffs, bring your cameras to capture the prairie flowers in bloom. Long pants and insect repellent are recommended. Location will be emailed to registrants. Online registration foxvalleyarea.wildones.org due July 30. Rain date is Aug 13.

Introduction to Mushroom Identification 
Instructor: Dr. Terese Barta
Format: Blended 2-part class
Dates/Times: Virtual Monday Aug 24, 2026, 7-8 pm (session will be recorded), and in person Saturday Aug 29, 2026, 9:30 am-3:00 pm
Location: UW Stevens Point
Elective (6 hours)
Mushrooms are mysterious, misunderstood, neglected and sometimes feared. But as unique manifestations of
the fungal world, they are also beautiful and complex. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the amazing
diversity of mushrooms and the basic techniques of mushroom identification. Before the class meets in person,
we will have a virtual session on the basics of mushroom collecting techniques. Weather-permitting, we will begin our in-person class with a walk in UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve. This will allow us to observe
mushrooms in the field and collect a few specimens to identify. You are also encouraged to bring one or two
specimens to the course that you have collected on your own before the class. In the lab, we will use fresh and
preserved specimens to learn the basic families of mushrooms and identification techniques. Whether you are
interested in foraging for edible mushrooms, or just want to be able to appreciate the diversity of fleshy fungi, you will come away with knowledge to demystify mushroom identification. Optional but recommended resources: a basic mushroom identification book such as the Peterson Field Guide or Audubon Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. (Additional identification resources will also be available in lab.)

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Winnebago Audubon is hosting its popular monarch tagging event on the prairie at Shannon Davis-Foust’s home. Learn about the life cycle and migration of the monarch butterfly at the beginning of the program. Experience how to safely identify the gender, apply the tag, and record data. You will then be free to wander the prairie and net monarchs. Remember to respect the prairie and any wildlife you encounter.

A Look at Native Plant Form and Function
Instructor: Dr. Paul Whitaker
Format: Blended, 3-part class
Dates/Times: Virtual Tuesday Sept 8, 2026 7-8 pm, virtual Thursday Sept 10, 7-8 pm, and in person Saturday Sept 12, 12-4 pm
Location: UWSP (classroom location will be emailed to you)
Core Course (6 hours)

Description: A plant’s structure is intimately intertwined with its functions, including photosynthesis, water movement, absorption and cycling of nutrients, growth, and reproduction. The two virtual sessions will present an overview of the basic structure of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds and the roles of these organs in essential plant functions. Our in-person session will consist entirely of hands-on study of plant structures, emphasizing that the diverse forms of each organ are just variations of a basic structure that has important jobs to do. Botany Primer, Understanding Botany for Nature’s Notebook, USA-NPN.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

The Prairie in Seed 
Instructor: Jeffery Steele
Format: In person
Date/Time: Sunday, Oct 3, 10am-3:30pm (half hour lunch on your own)
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy in Middleton, WI
Elective (5 hours)

Description: The fall is great time to experience the prairie in its final beauty. This course will serve as an introduction to identifying seed-bearing prairie plants. Students will tour a restored prairie and learn techniques to collect and store seeds from various species. Those that attend will also learn from a restoration expert how to break native seed dormancy and grow their own native plants. Students will then have the opportunity to take home their own "mini-greenhouses" of native seeds they collected to include in their home landscaping.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Join us for Seed Collecting Workshop at Gottfried Prairie!

Come join us at 400 University Dr for a hands-on Seed Collecting Workshop where you can learn all about gathering and preserving native plant seeds. Gottfried prairie is a hidden gem: a successful 50-acre prairie restoration adjacent to the UWO Fond du Lac campus. Most of the species originated from the last remaining prairie remnants around Fond du Lac County. Bring small paper bags, small snips, light gloves, and a sharpie marker. A limited number of supplies will be available. This is a free event sponsored by Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum and Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter. This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts and gardeners looking to expand their knowledge. Our expert instructors will guide you through the process and share tips on how to identify different seeds.

(if needed, the rain date is October 18, 2026)

Terrestrial Invasive Species Management
Instructor: Emma Neuman
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, Oct 24, 9am-4pm (1 hour lunch on your own)
Location: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
Elective (6 hours)

Description: This course begins with an introduction to terrestrial invasive species, including what they are, how they affect the environment, how they are spread, and an exploration of the Wisconsin NR 40 regulation. We will learn about common invasive species of Wisconsin followed by a hike around Heckrodt to see a handful of invasive species and practice identifying them. We will use a combination of inside and outside learning to understand most of the control methods that are possible and which is best for different situations. Returning to the classroom, we’ll go over devising an effective management plan.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Creating a Native Plant Oasis Design Plan 
Instructor: Danielle Bell
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov 7, 9am-3:30pm (half hour lunch on your own)
Location: Mequon Nature Preserve
Elective (6 hours)

Description: To combat the effects of climate change and pollinator decline, we need to incorporate native plants into our home and business landscapes. There is a wide palate of native plants that are capable of handling tough urban environments and provide essential ecological roles. This class will teach students how to understand microclimates of a site and how to properly select the correct native plants for those areas. We will learn which plants provide habitat requirements for specialist insects as well as those that fill large niches to benefit many species from insects to mammals. A portion of the class will be held outside for students to see structure of plants in their natural environment.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Come join us for the annual partner meeting with Audobon held at the Evergreen Retirement Community building in Oshkosh, WI. The social begins at 6:30PM and the program begins at 7:00PM. 

See you there!