Events

Welcome to the Fox Valley Area Chapter Annual Meeting! Join us at the WILD Center for a meeting filled with networking, discussions, updated bylaws review, and annual Board of Directors elections. We’ll also share our successes from the past year and let you know what’s coming up in 2026. Light snacks and beverages will be provided along with a fun ice-breaker. Bring your questions and suggestions for the board. The meeting is open to all members. Please register with a free ticket so we can make space accommodations. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of our vibrant community and contribute to the growth of our chapter. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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)

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!