(Note: you can watch videos of some of our past programs on our YouTube channel.)
See our full Event Calendar at the bottom of this page!
Books and Banter
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Wildwood Metropark (Specific meeting location in Wildwood will be announced soon)
Join us for an afternoon at Wildwood Metropark celebrating books inspired by the natural world. Bring along a favorite nature-themed book – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, resource – to share and discuss in small groups. Enjoy good conversation, a cup of tea, and baked pastries as we explore how the written word connects us to the beauty of the outdoors. Please RSVP with your book of choice to smaggie101@gmail.com.
See our full Event Calendar at the bottom of this page!
Side Cut Metropark River Study – Family/Kid-Friendly Program – Must RSVP
Date: Tues, June 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Side Cut Metropark
A family/kid friendly program to investigate what lives below the surface of the water at Side Cut Metropark. We will use scientific field sampling techniques to determine the health of the water through a macroinvertebrate survey. Metroparks recommends wearing old sneakers, quick dry clothing and being able to navigate rough terrain.
Pre-registration is required for this program as there are limited spaces. To register email wildonesoakopeningsregion@gmail.com by June 9th.
See our full Event Calendar at the bottom of this page!
iNaturalist – The Why & The How
Date: Tues, July 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Secor Room, Secor Metropark (Note that this is not our regular location)
Speaker: Jay Wright, Metroparks Toledo
iNaturalist has become an incredibly useful citizen science tool for both the general public interested in identifying aspects of nature they see, and researchers who can use the millions of observations across the world that amateur naturalists submit. Jay Wright with Metroparks Toledo will help us learn about how iNat works and why it’s useful to these different groups, and then we’ll have a detailed tutorial in how to use the mobile app with plenty of time for practice in the field. Come prepared with a phone or tablet with the newest iNaturalist app installed.
Download iNaturalist for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android&hl=en_GB
Download iNaturalist for iPhones: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id6475737561
Garden Tour – Julia Ibarra
Date: Sat. August 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Oak Harbor, OH (see details below)
Julie Ibarra has been adding native plants to her acre of space in Oak Harbor for about six years now, having at least 130 different native species with many cultivated from local genetics. Her mission is to facilitate concepts of sustainable agriculture by utilizing native plants in order to gain greater value of the land; increasing communal sustainability and biodiversity while upholding wise land management that creates a greater balance with nature.
From the smallest mushroom to the tallest tree, she believes that by harmonizing ourselves with the earth, we can resolve issues with pest management, loss of pollinators, and reduce our footprint…all while improving the soil, our health, and environment for long term benefits. The tour includes what can be accomplished in a small space; a 2,500sq ft permaculture orchard, vegetable gardens, and native plant landscapes. Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a camp chair are recommended. Julie has a large garage sitting area with tables and chairs, and advises those attending carpool and park along the driveway on the left when entering. Julie has a variety of cultivated native plants for sale and will also have a freebie available for attending! Please RSVP to wildonesoakopeningsregion@gmail.com in order to receive the address and let us know if you’re interested in carpooling to Oak Harbor.
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P.S. See all webinars by Wild Ones National here.
You can find more information about programs in our chapter newsletter and on our Facebook page.
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