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Blog

Learn about Naturescaping Your Yard for Blooms, Bugs, and Birds with MDC webcast April 10 at noon

The Wild Webcast will feature MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank who will share her expertise on the basics of planning, designing, and creating backyard wildlife habitat. Shank will offer her expert insights on attracting native birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to help the garden grow. She will discuss the importance of native plants […] Continue reading "Learn about Naturescaping Your Yard for Blooms, Bugs, and Birds with MDC webcast April 10 at noon"

MDC offers free virtual mushroom hunting class, Saturday March 16, 1 – 2 p.m.

Spring warmth stimulates natural life, including fungi such as morels and other edible mushrooms. This online course will cover how mushrooms are produced and their role in ecology. Nikki King, MDC naturalist, will explain where and how people can look for mushrooms. King will provide tips on identifying edible mushrooms and avoiding those that are […] Continue reading "MDC offers free virtual mushroom hunting class, Saturday March 16, 1 – 2 p.m."

Zooming and Learning

The Missouri River Bird Observatory hosts several webinars on Mondays at 6;30 p.m. on a wide variety of nature topics, mostly about birds, and many related subjects. If you missed any, they are available on YouTube as noted at the bottom of the screen. Click here for more inforamtion and to egister. Continue reading "Zooming and Learning"

Learn how to identify trees in winter at Jan. 27 MDC virtual program

People who would like to learn more about how to identify trees in winter should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Winter Tree ID,” a free event from 10-11 a.m. on Jan. 27. This online program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center. […] Continue reading "Learn how to identify trees in winter at Jan. 27 MDC virtual program"

New Year, New Landscape Challenge!

It is almost time! Each year, with the support of the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Nativeprogram, we award a front yard makeover using plants native to Missouri. The purpose is tohighlight the importance of using native plants, in a way that is both attractive to people, andbeneficial for the area’s wildlife. We are looking for […] Continue reading "New Year, New Landscape Challenge!"

An Article of Interest

The latest Horticulture Magazine has an interesting article, “Sizable Options”, about deciding the pros and cons of buying perennials in plugs or containers, If you can’t find a copy of the paper magazine it is available on Libby through the St. Charles City-County Library. Continue reading "An Article of Interest"

Get tips on where to put native plants at MDC virtual program

People who have an interest in growing native plants and want to be certain they’re putting their plants in locations where they’ll grow the best should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Native Plants: Garden Planning.” This free online program will be Sept. 15 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and is being put […] Continue reading "Get tips on where to put native plants at MDC virtual program"

MDC Sept. 8 virtual program will focus on native plants that provide habitat around the home

People can learn more about plantings that can be made in autumn to establish good habitat in their yards at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free virtual program “Native Plants: Planting in the Fall.” This program, which will be Sept. 8 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield […] Continue reading "MDC Sept. 8 virtual program will focus on native plants that provide habitat around the home"

MDC offers free virtual Monarch Mania workshop Aug. 29

 Monarch butterflies are a delight to see and a marvel of nature. Learn about their transformative life cycle and impressive migrations when the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Mid-Continent Public Library will co-host a free virtual Monarch Mania program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Register for program here. Register as a […] Continue reading "MDC offers free virtual Monarch Mania workshop Aug. 29"

Learn about fritillary butterflies at Aug. 3 MDC virtual program

People can learn more about fritillary butterflies found in Missouri and how everyone can help with butterfly conservation efforts at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free virtual program “Making Friends with Fritillaries.” This free online program will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 3 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s […] Continue reading "Learn about fritillary butterflies at Aug. 3 MDC virtual program"

The Wild Ones Annual Photo Contest is OPEN NOW!

Categories include:Camaraderie and Native Plants – Photo must feature both native flora and at least one human subject and demonstrate a connection between the person/people and the native plants. (Category Entry Limit: 4 Photos)Fauna with Flora – Photo must feature native plants as well as other non-pollinator wildlife. (Category Entry Limit: 1 Photo)Flora – Subject of the photo must be […] Continue reading "The Wild Ones Annual Photo Contest is OPEN NOW!"

Happy Moth-ers Day!

A podcast and a book about attracting moths to your garden with native plants. The butterflies get all the press, but don’t forget about the night shift. The book is not available at the St. Charles City-County Library, but can be secured through World Cat. Continue reading "Happy Moth-ers Day!"

Two Events of Interest Coming Up

Partners for Native Landscaping; In-Person Native Plant Workshop and Sale April 15th, 2023 from 8 AM to 1 PM $10 registration fee Visit the link here for more details and the registration. Native Plant Fair with Beyond Housing April 30th, 2023 from 9 AM to 2 PM  @ Beyond Housing Headquarters 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis, MO 63121 Visit the link here for […] Continue reading "Two Events of Interest Coming Up"

Join MDC March 22 for Wild Webcast on Invasive Plants and Animals

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites anyone interested in learning about invasive animal and plant species in Missouri to join its Wild Webcast on Invasive Plant and Animal Species online on Wednesday, March 22, from noon to 1 p.m. Register in advance for the MDC Wild Webcast on Invasive Plant and Animal Species online […] Continue reading "Join MDC March 22 for Wild Webcast on Invasive Plants and Animals"

MDC offers free virtual class about native plants for winter beauty

Subtle colors and bold textures stand out in the landscape this time of year. Join our native landscape specialist virtually to discuss the beauty and benefits of native plants in winter. We’ll focus on plants that provide food and habitat for wildlife as well as create visual winter interest in your own backyard. Register here Continue reading "MDC offers free virtual class about native plants for winter beauty"

Birds, Plants and More

MRBO is hosting a Winter Learning Series of webinars in partnership with the Missouri Birding Society, beginning next Monday, January 9th. Join us every Monday in the months of January – March at 6pm (with the exception of February 13th) More Information and Register Continue reading "Birds, Plants and More"

A Book of Interest

A few weeks ago, while attending a Zoom meeting, Native Plants at Noon, a book was recommended that I found quite interesting. New Naturalism, by Kelly D. Norris. It is shelved St. Charles City County Library. The author’s philosophy of native gardening is spelled out very well. Since the book covers native gardening in general, […] Continue reading "A Book of Interest"

Bee Wise!

Shutterbee surveys wind down at the end of the week, which means it’s time for off-season activities! We are running our virtual bee ID classes again this year. Anyone interested in learning how to tell St. Louis bees apart is invited to join. Whether you are completely new to the game or have some practice […] Continue reading "Bee Wise!"

Zoom: Formal Landscape Design with Native Plants

Date/Time09/27/20227:00 pm – 8:30 pm Formal Landscape Design with Native PlantsA joint presentation with Wild Ones Prairie Edge Chapter James Faupel will share his design methodology on how to incorporate native plants into a front yard setting. This webinar’s discussion will cover topics such as determining what microclimate your front yard is, design method/styles, plant […] Continue reading "Zoom: Formal Landscape Design with Native Plants"

A Primer on YouTube

From the You Tube Native Plants Channel here is a program, with Doug Tallamy, to help you get started with some ideas, and explain why we are planting natives. Bear in mind some of the plants mentioned are native to the Northeast and not to our area, but you can find substitutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7ligldtfc4 Continue reading "A Primer on YouTube"

Got Time for Some More Webinars?

We are so excited to offer a new Lunch & Learn series, starting on June 2!  Deep Roots’ Lunch and Learn series will provide practical, timely, and useful tools and education for native gardeners and land managers. On June 2 @ noon, join Deep Roots’ guest speaker Betsy Betros, Author, entomologist, and master naturalist for our first Lunch & Learn webinar to discuss why we should be INVITING insects into our yards, instead of killing […] Continue reading "Got Time for Some More Webinars?"

St. Louis Zoo Webinar, April 14, 5:30 p.m.

Combating Climate Change with Native Plants Can our personal and community spaces help mitigate climate change? What role do native plants play in climate and ecosystem health?  Join Louise Bradshaw and Jean Ponzi as they discuss why building a relationship with native plants can help transform our climate impacts. They’ll also present examples of where this strategy is currently in […] Continue reading "St. Louis Zoo Webinar, April 14, 5:30 p.m."

Tis the season

I added a new item to the Tips, Tricks and Useful Tools page about honeysuckle removal. If you can identify the bare trunk before it leafs out the work will be easier. https://www.warrenswcd.com/uploads/7/2/5/9/72597023/thirty-two_ways_to_remove_honeysuckle__2_.pdf?fbclid=IwAR18RLGHrPXLFVy6Opj2A5Qcy9ylTcA2I_rh_kyS5Mx8bAecNmx4TXw0FZA Continue reading "Tis the season"

We have an INaturalist Project

Aina Ferris has devised an iNaturalist “Project” for Wild-Ones St. Charles and Surrounding Areas involving the documentation of the natives in the near vicinity of the Jim Tom Blair Building . If you are a user of iNaturalist and reside in St. Charles, Lincoln or Warren Counties and want to help us in this endeavor, […] Continue reading "We have an INaturalist Project"

Landscape Designer Needed!

January 31, 2021 Deadline We are on a mission and wondered if you might be able to help us.Our WildOnes contract at Busch WildLife is for maintenance but we continue to “go over andbeyond “ our responsibilities. Our next big project is planned for this spring and will involve thetotal revamping of one of the […] Continue reading "Landscape Designer Needed!"

Register now for Tending Nature, new webinar series from OSU Bee Lab

A webinar series from Ohio State University of interest to all, “Native Plants and Every Gardener’s Role in Fostering Biodiversity”. This 6-session webinar series will focus on the ecological roles of native plants and some of the creatures that depend on them. We’ll meet virtually at 10AM EASTERN (9AM CST) each Friday for 6 weeks from January […] Continue reading "Register now for Tending Nature, new webinar series from OSU Bee Lab"

Some good news

From Missouri Native Plants Society Facebook Post Maramec Springs Park outside St. James, MO is about to undergo a major transition from a traditional manicured fescue grass park to a 100% native planting park. This is excellent news. Over the past two years they have disked and seeded much of the park with soybean to […] Continue reading "Some good news"

St. Louis Open Yards

A program of interest to us Wild Ones St. Louis Open Yards A Native Landscaping Program  A program for native landscape “open houses” across the St. Louis region from spring through fall. First openings planned for spring 2022.  Each landscape host decides exactly when their yard is open…a single day, every weekend in April, daily […] Continue reading "St. Louis Open Yards"

Welcome New Vice President

As many of you are aware, our President, Beka Davis resigned last month from the Presidency, but not from our ranks. (She will continue to serve in a variety of ways within the Chapter. ) Upon her resignation, our Vice-President, Bev Arnold, stepped up and assumed the President’s role, leaving the Vice-Presidential role open. According […] Continue reading "Welcome New Vice President"

Check Out Our WildOnes Blogger

Charles Schmidt is a St. Charles WildOnes Member and native plant enthusiast who also writes a nature blog related to his specific subdivision in St. Peters, Missouri. Charles has spent a significant amount of time removing the invasive Bush Honeysuckle from his back hillside. To his delight , a number of Missouri native ephemerals were […] Continue reading "Check Out Our WildOnes Blogger"

This and that…..

It’s been a while since I posted anything here. I am a regular viewer of Native Plants at Noon, a monthly online program from the Anita. B. Gorman Nature Center in Kansas City. In the resources sent after the last program there are a few tips that dig deeper into the last program: Removing Bermuda […] Continue reading "This and that….."