December Reflections: Growing Together in 2025

The Certificate in Native Plants program is designed to expand students' knowledge of botany, ecology, conservation and uses of native flora in the southeastern United States. The CNP offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and guided hikes.  Discounted class fees are available for members of Wild Ones, the Tennessee Native Plant Society or Reflection Riding. Classes are open to all, including interested individuals who may not be working toward the Certificate.

Those working toward the Certificate are asked to volunteer in various capacities to support approved native plant projects in our region. Volunteer requirements have changed slightly. More information and a downloadable volunteer form are available on our website.

For more info about the Certificate in Native Plants program, click here.

To access information and registration links for all upcoming programs, classes, hikes and members-only events presented by the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones and Wild Ones national, click below:

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in advance of our free public programs?

If so, join our Meetup group.



Help Shape the Future of the

Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones!

Are you passionate about native plants, ecological landscaping, and community engagement? 2026 is your year to make a lasting impact! The Tennessee Valley Wild Ones chapter is growing—and we need your energy, ideas, and voice.

Volunteer with Us!

Whether you have a few hours a month or want to dive into a leadership role, there's a place for you. Join a committee, help organize events, assist with outreach, or lend your skills behind the scenes. Every contribution helps us spread the word and deepen our roots in the community.

Why Get Involved?

• Shape the direction of our chapter in 2026 and beyond
• Connect with like-minded nature advocates
• Gain experience in conservation, education, and nonprofit leadership
• Be part of a movement that restores and protects our local ecosystems

Ready to grow with us?

Let’s make 2026 a landmark year for native plant advocacy in the Tennessee Valley!

Celebrating Our Donors: Recognizing Generosity in 2025

Wild Ones Tennessee Valley Chapter is proud to launch our Donor Recognition Program, honoring those whose generosity fuels our mission of promoting native plants, biodiversity, and ecological landscaping.

Our program highlights three levels of giving:

• Visionaries – those who lead with bold generosity and help shape the future of our mission.
• Believers – those who stand firmly with us, sustaining our work and strengthening our community.
• Friends – those whose gifts, large or small, show heartfelt support and keep our roots strong.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who believed in our mission and graciously donated in 2025. Your support strengthens our chapter, inspires action, and ensures that native plants and pollinators thrive for generations to come.

Visionaries
(Over $500 )

Beverly Inman-Ebel

Believers

($500 - $100)

Marty Roberts

Marian Tidwell

Bruce & Phyllis Tilden

Angela Dittmar

Reflection Riding

Friends
(Under $100)

If our programs, hikes, workshops, or mission have inspired you this year, please consider supporting our chapter with a donation. Your generosity keeps our work thriving.

Support us:

Online: Donate - Wild Ones Tennessee Valley Chapter

By Mail:

Make checks payable to: Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones 


Mail to:

TVWO - ATTN: Sally Wencel, Treasurer

1909 Windy Oaks Lane

Hixson, TN 37343


Does a Woolly Bear Caterpillar Predict Winter Weather?

Legend claims a woolly bear caterpillar can predict the severity of winter — but is it true? Here's what to know about the fuzzy caterpillar. Read more.

Article: www.birdsandblooms.com by Emily Hannemann

Image: iStock

How pecans went from ignored trees to a holiday staple – the 8,000-year history of America’s only native major nut crop

Pecans have a storied history in the United States. Today, American trees produce hundreds of millions of pounds of pecans – 80% of the world's pecan crop. Most of that crop stays here. Pecans are used to produce pecan milk, butter and oil, but many of the nuts end up in pecan pies. Read more.

Article: www.theconversation.com

Image: Getty Images

Rattlesnake Master



Eryngium yuccifolium, known as rattlesnake master, button eryngo, and button snake-root, is a perennial herb of the parsley family native to the tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America. The common name "rattlesnake master" is attributed to early European pioneers erroneously believing the plant to be an antidote for rattlesnake venom based upon Native Americans' various medicinal uses of the plant.

Bushy Bluestem or Bushy Beardgrass



Andropogon glomeratus is a species of grass known by the common names bushy bluestem and bushy beardgrass. This grass reaches heights approaching six feet and has large, fluffy cream-colored inflorescences. The leaves may reach over a meter in length and are typically blue-green in the summer and coppery-red in the fall.

Becoming a Wild Ones member shows your commitment to the native plant movement and is a great way to connect with a helpful and knowledgeable native plant community that will prove invaluable in your native garden journey!

Benefits of a Wild Ones membership include:

• Access to the current electronic issue of the quarterly Wild Ones Journal
• Invitations to workshops, garden tours, seed exchanges, plants sales, and stewardship project
• Discounts for partner educational webinars such as NDAL, etc. and Wild Ones chapter programs
• Participation in an annual national photo contest
• Access to the Wild Ones Member Center for learning resources
• Participation in Wild for Monarchs and Native Garden recognition programs
• Involvement in citizen science and networking with conservation partners
• Receiving Wild Ones National e-Newsletters
• Invitation to Wild Ones' private Facebook discussion group and the national Wild Ones Annual Member Meeting
• Networking opportunities and camaraderie with like-minded people who care about native plants and our planet

Additional benefits for members of the Tennessee Valley chapter:

• Discounted admission to all Certificate in Native Plants classes year-round.
• Free admission at members-only programs, including local and regional guided hikes, garden visits (Landscapes in Progress), the annual meeting, an annual plant swap, and other member social events.
• Annual Welcome Party and Orientation for new members.
• Monthly email Member Update, with news about chapter activities.
• All members of the family who live at the same address are entitled to member benefits!
• 10% off plants at Overhill Garden's Native Plant Nursery
• 15% off plants at Reflection Riding's Native Plant Nursery

Your membership dollars help forward our mission of promoting the restoration of native landscapes by allowing us to:

• Provide free, educational resources and learning opportunities that are open to the public from respected experts like Wild Ones Honorary Directors Doug Tallamy, Neil Diboll, Heather Holm and Donna VanBuecken
• Support the efforts of over 65 local Wild Ones chapters in 23 states
• Publish a quarterly, award-winning, online journal featuring current native plant information and resources
• Share free, professionally-designed native garden templates for multiple regions in the United States.

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