Events

The Prairie in Seed

Instructor: Connie Ramthun
Format: In person
Date/Time: Sunday, Oct 12, 2025, 9am-2:30pm (half hour lunch on your own.)
Location: Birchwood Nature Preserve (Connie’s home, nursery and prairies)
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 native plant nursery to learn techniques for
collecting and storing 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. Participants will be given samples of the seeds that we collect and
clean to use in their home landscaping. Connie will gladly address your natural
landscaping questions.

Back to the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification homepage.

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.

Terrestrial Invasive Species Management
Instructor: Emma Neuman
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, Oct 18, 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.

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 UWOFond 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 19, 2025)

Join us for a relaxing afternoon at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve for a *FREE* Leaf Mandala Workshop!

Registration is required by midnight October 21, 2025.

Expand your relationship with nature by looking for matching leaves of similar size, shape, and color to add to a mosaic the group creates- laying leaves/ berries/cones/stones/etc. in a pattern on the ground. Some basic plant identification will be shared, but the approach is one of art therapy - noticing, observing, sensing, feeling and creating. Our facilitator is Janelle Jentz.

No experience necessary - just come ready to have fun and connect with nature! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to unwind and create something beautiful. See you there!

Creating a Native Plant Oasis Design Plan 
Instructor: Danielle Bell
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov 15, 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.

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 7:30PM. 

See you there!

Join us for our Members and Friends Holiday Gathering!

Take a break from holiday planning and join us for an afternoon seed and cookie exchange. A variety of prairie seeds will be available from our seed collecting workshop in October. And, if you care to, feel free to bring a small plate of cookies to share with others. Beverages will be provided. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members and enthusiasts to share ideas, knowledge, and recipes. We can't wait to see you there!