Welcome to May with the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones! As spring unfolds in all its glory, nature offers us endless inspiration and a chance to reconnect with the wonders around us. This month, we're embracing new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in our community. From our Seeds for Education program to our guided hikes, we've got activities lined up to celebrate the beauty of native plants and the ecosystems they support. Let's keep the spirit of Wild Ones alive—learning, advocating, and preserving together!

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:

Do you want to receive a reminder email

in advance of our free public programs?

If so, join our Meetup group.



Share the Love for Native Plants This Spring!

Are you passionate about nature and eager to make a difference in your community? The Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our Public Information table during upcoming springtime festivals!

As a volunteer, you’ll engage with festival goers, share information about our organization, and educate the public about the vital role native plants play in supporting local ecosystems. It’s a chance to connect with others, promote environmental awareness, and celebrate the beauty of spring.

✨ What You’ll Do:

• Talk to the community about the importance of native plants
• Answer questions and share materials about our organization
• Help inspire others to protect and nurture our environment

🌿 Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact on your local environment
• Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion
• Enjoy the vibrant energy of spring festivals!

🌟 No prior experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! We’ll provide all the training and materials you’ll need to feel confident and prepared.

Ready to join us in spreading the word and fostering a greener future? Click the button below to view our volunteer opportunities and sign up.

Let’s make this spring unforgettable—for both nature and our community. We can’t wait to work with you!

Committee Spotlight

Chattanooga Area Pollinator Partnership (CHAPP)

Did you know that the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones is home to a visionary initiative dedicated to pollinator conservation? The Chattanooga Area Pollinator Partnership (CHAPP) is on a mission to create a thriving habitat for butterflies, bees, moths, bats, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators in our community.

Through efforts to increase pollinator habitat, educate the public, and foster community involvement, CHAPP is making a real difference in preserving biodiversity. The team also develops clear guidelines for pollinator-friendly spaces, restores vital habitats, awards Seeds for Education grants and works closely with schools, community groups, and under-served areas to inspire action.

Want to get involved or learn more?

Here's how you can help!

Seeds for Education Grants:

• Plan and promote grant applications from local schools
• Recruit and Evaluate grant applications
• Mentor the development of a garden
• Occasional workdays for demo gardens

Fall Speaker Series Event (2-year commitment):

• Funding and book speaker (Doug Tallamy booked for 2025!)
• Event Planning
• Assist with Marketing

Educational Programing for Schools

• Native plant and pollinator presentations
• Create and share plant and pollinator stories

Join CHAPP’s efforts and help us make a lasting impact for pollinators, the environment and our community. For more information click below or if you are ready to get started, reach out to Rosy Harpe at rosy@mywaterways.org.

Member Spotlight

Ghost Forests are Growing as Sea Levels Rise

As trees choked by saltwater die along low-lying coasts, marshes may move in — for better or worse, scientists are learning. Read more.

Article from knowablemagazine.org

Image by: Emily Ury, CC BY-ND

'Meadowscaping:' The People Turning Their Lawns Into Meadows

Turning lawns into meadows can have big benefits for people, wildlife and the climate. Here's why 'meadowscaping' has become the latest gardening craze. Read more.

Article from bbc.com

Image by: Sarah Weaner Cooper

Golden Ragwort



Packera aurea or Golden Ragwort features flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of yellow, daisy-like flowers (to 1" diameter) atop sparsely-leaved stems in early spring. The blooms are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other insect pollinators. 

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Red Buckeye



Aesculus pavia or red buckeye is a large shrub or small tree and one of the first sources of nectar for hummingbirds. It reaches a height of 16–26 ft, often growing in a multi-stemmed form. Its leaves are opposite, and are composed usually of five elliptical serrated leaflets, each 4–6 in long. It bears 4–7 in clusters of attractive dark red tubular flowers in the spring.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

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!

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.

Follow Wild Ones on social media:

NOTE: Please do not unsubscribe!

This is the only method you have for receiving important communications from

the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones!

Please add contact@tnvalleywildones.org 

to your address book -

This is needed to keep our emails out of your SPAM folder.