(Note: you can watch videos of some of our past programs on our YouTube channel.)
The Colors of Spring
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (Note this is not our usual monthly program date)
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH
Speaker: Karen Menard, Metroparks Toledo
Join Karen Menard of Metroparks Toledo to experience a virtual trip to the forest floor in search of northwest Ohio’s native, wild ephemeral blooms. The natural history of species, pollinator connections, and information on flowering times and locations will be shared in this presentation showcasing the beauty and splendor of our local, spring wildflower communities.
Going Native: A Personal Journey from Cultivars and Chemicals to Landscaping with Natives
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Speaker: Hal Mann
Location: Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH
In 2012 Hal Mann decided to convert his home landscaping to all native plants. This presentation takes you on his ongoing journey. He’ll explain what influenced him to change from his life-long understanding and use of conventional landscaping made up of cultivars and non-native plants. He describes the removal of invasive species and shows the wonderful surprises that followed at his home. You’ll travel with him as he struggles to break emotional attachments to some favorite non-native plants. He’ll share the compromises that were necessary to ensure harmony in the household. You’ll learn about some of the interesting wildlife that came to make their homes on his property. He will explain what he learned along the way, talking about the many benefits of using these plants, the joys and successes he experienced, as well as the tribulations and challenges he had. Entertaining and educational, his story will show you how landscaping with native plants has enriched his life and will inspire you.
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.
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 for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android&hl=en_GB
Download for iPhones: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id6475737561
Free Webinar from Wild Ones National: Living in the Liberated Landscape with Larry Weaner
Date: November 20, 2025 – DID YOU MISS IT? Watch on YouTube!
Discover the power of ecological garden design in this free national webinar, Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard, with award-winning landscape designer Larry Weaner. Join us for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of controlling it. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Larry will share practical strategies for designing dynamic gardens that evolve naturally, support biodiversity, and bring lasting beauty to your yard.
P.S. See all webinars by Wild Ones National here.
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