Welcoming September in the Tennessee Valley!

As summer’s vibrant blooms give way to the golden hues of early autumn, our landscapes remind us that change is both beautiful and essential. This month, our calendar is alive with opportunities to learn, connect, and take action for native plants and the wildlife that depend on them.

From inspiring programs like Shade Gardening with Native Plants to our Book Discussion Series, and the final countdown to our Distinguished Lecture with Dr. Doug Tallamy on October 3, there’s something for everyone who shares our passion for biodiversity.

We’re thrilled to share that the Tallamy lecture is officially full—one month in advance! If you’ve registered but can’t attend, please email tnvalleywildones@gmail.com so we can offer your seat to someone on the waiting list. If you missed registration but would like to be added to the waitlist, email us at the same address.

And don’t forget—our Fall Native Plant Sale is just around the corner, along with other hands‑on ways to deepen your connection to the land and our community. Whether you’re a long‑time member or just discovering Wild Ones, we’re glad you’re here to help us grow a healthier, more resilient Tennessee Valley.

Let’s make this September a month of learning, planting, and inspiring change—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:

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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 local 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 each season.

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 each festival!

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.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

On Monday, August 18, more than 25 native plant enthusiasts gathered for a thought‑provoking discussion of Nature’s Best Hope by Dr. Doug Tallamy. The evening was filled with engaging conversation, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to creating landscapes that support biodiversity. Participants left energized, inspired, and ready to put Tallamy’s ideas into action in their own yards and communities.

We’re keeping the momentum going! Our next book discussion will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Oddstory Brewing. This time, we’ll dive into Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy’s groundbreaking work that first introduced many to the essential role native plants play in sustaining wildlife.

Whether you’ve read the book cover‑to‑cover or just want to learn more about the concepts, you’re welcome to join the conversation. Free and open to the public—bring your curiosity, your questions, and maybe a friend or two!

The Era of the American Lawn is Over

“If there is any call to action in this, it is to get involved with an organization like Wild Ones — to join a local chapter and campaign for state laws that would force H.O.A.s to give residents the right to grow gardens in their own wildlife-friendly ways.” Read more.

Article and Image: The New York Times

New Detection Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Pest

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has added eight paws to its fight against invasive pests. Two specially trained detection dogs—Winnie and Marcel—have joined the TDA Plant Certification Section to help protect Tennessee’s thriving nursery and agricultural industries from the destructive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). Read more.

Article: Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Image: Getty Images

Sassafras



Sassafras trees grow from 30–115 feet tall with many slender sympodial branches and smooth, orange-brown bark or yellow bark. All parts of the plants are fragrant. The species are unusual in having three distinct leaf patterns on the same plant: unlobed oval, bilobed (mitten-shaped), and trilobed (three-pronged); the leaves are hardly ever five-lobed.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Orange Sulphur Butterfly



The Orange Sulphur butterfly belongs to the family Pieridae, which is commonly known as the whites and sulphurs. Its scientific name is Colias eurytheme, and it is often referred to simply as the Orange Sulphur or Alfalfa Butterfly. These butterflies are native to North America and can frequently be seen from spring to fall in open areas such as fields, roadsides, and gardens. The Orange Sulphur's host plant are plants found in the pea family such as Baptisia.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Blue Mistflower



Conoclinium coelestinum, commonly known as blue mistflower, is a native perennial found in the central and eastern United States. The cluster of blue-lavender flowers bloom in late summer and early fall and attract numerous pollinators, including this yellow collared scape moth.

Photo by Erin Thurman

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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