Welcome to November: A Season of Rest, Reflection and Renewal

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, November invites us to slow down and tune in to the quieter rhythms of the natural world. While many gardens fade into dormancy, life continues just beneath the surface—and in the leaf litter.

This is the season when native landscapes remind us to start to slow down and embrace change. Trees are drawing their moisture in, which results in the colorful leaves that start to fall - a vital part of the cycle. Fallen leaves become shelter for overwintering pollinators and wildlife like moths, fireflies, frogs, and turtles. Seeds settle into the soil, awaiting spring’s signal. Lean into this transitional time and replenish- just as the fallen leaves protect and replenish the soil.

At Wild Ones, we’re embracing this time to reflect on a year of community, advocacy, and ecological action. From planting native gardens to hosting educational events, your efforts have made a difference. Thank you for being part of this movement.

As we move toward year’s end, let’s celebrate the beauty of slowing down, giving thanks, and preparing the ground for what’s next.

With gratitude,

The Tennessee Valley Wild Ones Leadership Team

The Science and Art of Pruning

with Matt Whitaker

Monday, November 10, 2025

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (EST)

FREE and Open to the Public

Joseph Glasscock Community Center, 3653 Tom Weathers Dr, Chattanooga, TN, 37415

More Info

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.

Botany I (CORE)

Instructor: Dr. Richard Clements and Mary Priestley

Saturday, January 17, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (EST)

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

400 Garden Rd.

Chattanooga, TN 37419

Certificate in Native Plants

CORE class.

More Info

Botany II (CORE)

Instructor: Dr. Richard Clements and Mary Priestley

Saturday, February 21, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (EST)

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

400 Garden Rd.

Chattanooga, TN 37419

Certificate in Native Plants

CORE class.

More Info

2025 Holiday Member Social

Monday, December 1, 2025

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Joseph Glasscock Community Center, 3653 Tom Weathers Dr, Chattanooga, TN, 37415

Our Holiday Social is the perfect time to visit with your native plant friends and celebrate a successful TVWO year. Members are welcome to bring a guest. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

We will also be collecting monetary donations as well as non-perishable canned goods for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

More Info & Register

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:

EVENTS CALENDAR

MEMBERS-ONLY EVENTS

Do you want to receive a reminder email

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!

Annual Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Wild Ones Tennessee Valley Chapter’s Annual Meeting, Potluck and Plant & Seed Swap! We celebrated a year of growth, collaboration, and impact—from inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops to expanded outreach and new partnerships.

Highlights included:

A look back at our 2025 accomplishments
Exciting updates on upcoming programs and initiatives
Recognition of our dedicated volunteers and community partners
A shared vision for deepening our advocacy, education, and inclusivity in the year ahead
Welcoming our newest board members for 2026, Jonathan Nicholson, Pam Sohn and Brenda Vehige

Your energy and ideas continue to shape our mission. Here's to another vibrant year of native plant stewardship and community connection!

Streambank Restoration Workshop

presented by Waterways

Friday, November 14, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (EST)

Red Clay State Park

1140 Red Clay Park Road SW

Cleveland, TN 37311

Saturday, November 22, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (EST)

3510 Stoneybrook Lane

Chattanooga, TN 37415

Join WaterWays for workshops restoring eroded stream banks using natural, bio-engineered methods, such as livestaking with live native plant cuttings, coir matting, and coir logs, to establish vegetation with deep root systems for erosion control and native habitat. WaterWays will have gloves and some tools available, but feel free to bring your own gear! Gear such as mallets, trowels, shovels, gloves, eye protection, waterproof shoes/rain boots, sunscreen, water bottle and a hat are suggested.

Please RSVP with Rosy, rosy@mywaterways.org if interested in attending.

Clearwing Hummingbird Moth

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Transforming Gardens into Sanctuaries - The Power of Butterfly and Moth Conservation

presented by MGHC with Ann Brown

Saturday, November 15, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (EST)

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

400 Garden Rd.

Chattanooga, TN 37419

Master Gardeners of Hamilton County as part of their Native Plants for Wildlife Series welcomes Master Gardener and Wild One, Ann Brown for an informative and inspiring talk on transforming ordinary yards into thriving sanctuaries for pollinators and people. Learn how butterfly and moth gardens boost pollination, provide vital habitats, and support local biodiversity.

Ann will present practical guidance, including recommendations for native plants that attract moths and butterflies in the Southeast, as well as strategies for designing gardens that thrive across three seasons. She will discuss environmentally conscious gardening techniques that make meaningful contributions to conservation efforts. Attendees will learn how their landscapes can foster a more attractive and healthier environment for all.

Monarch Magic: How to Support Butterflies in your Backyard

presented by Crabtree

Saturday, November 15, 2025

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (EST)

Crabtree Farms

1000 E 30th St

Chattanooga, TN 37407

Discover the magic of Monarch butterflies and learn how to support them right in your backyard! In this engaging, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the Monarch’s incredible life cycle and migration, the critical role of native plants, and simple steps you can take to create a Monarch-friendly habitat at home.

More Info

Free Webinar: Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard

presented by Larry Weaner

Thursday, November 20, 2025

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (EST)

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 on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at 7 PM ET for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of control 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.

More Info & Register

Invasive Species Removal Workshop

presented by Waterways

Friday, November 21, 2025

12:00 - 3:00 p.m. (EST)

Stringers Branch at Red Bank Police Department

3117 Dayton Blvd

Red Bank, TN 37415

Help WaterWays remove invasive plant species such as kudzu, privet, Japanese honeysuckle, bittersweet, English ivy and many others from the banks of our local creeks this fall! Removing invasive species is essential for restoring native habitat and prepping our creeks for streambank repair workshops.

WaterWays will have gloves and tools available, but feel free to bring your own gear! Gear such as loppers, gloves, hand saws, Sawzall / mini chainsaws, eye protection, closed toed shoes, sunscreen, water bottle and a hat are suggested.

Please RSVP with Rosy, rosy@mywaterways.org if interested in attending.

Invasive Species Removal Training

presented by Crabtree

Saturday, November 22, 2025

9:30 - 12:00 p.m. (EST)

Crabtree Farms

1000 E 30th St

Chattanooga, TN 37407

This is an intense training on how to remove common invasive species in your backyard. We’ll spend about 30 mins learning about focus species for the workshop, how they were introduced, how they impact East Tennessee species, and methods of removal. For the remainder of the workshop (2 hours) we will be outside practicing and removing invasive species from a site on the farm. This is labor intensive! Bringing a water bottle, closed toes shoes, and long sleeves are HIGHLY recommended. There will be cups available for water and an indoor space with seating for taking breaks. All tools and gloves will be provided.

More Info

Fall Native Plant Sale

at the Gear Closet

Sunday, November 23, 2025

12:00 - 3:00 p.m. (EST)

Gear Closet

305 Signal Mountain Road

Chattanooga, TN 37405

Native bare root shrubs, trees, plugs and small plants from WaterWays, Chattanooga Gardener and Hixson High School horticulture science.

More Info

Homegrown National Park

Have you joined the movement?

Homegrown National Park® (HNP) raises awareness and urgently inspires everyone to address the biodiversity crisis by adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play.

“Our National Parks, no matter how grand in scale, are too small and separated from one another to preserve (native) species to the levels needed. Thus, the concept for Homegrown National Park, a bottom-up call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work, and to a lesser extent where we farm and graze, extending national parks to our yards and communities." - Doug Tallamy, Co-Founder

Learn More and Get on the Map!

HNP Info

Wild Ones is growing in Tennessee and the Southeast!

Check out the events at nearby chapters!

Middle Tennessee Chapter

Smoky Mountains Chapter

North Alabama Chapter

Georgia Piedmont Chapter

Plan It Wild's Walk on the Wild Side Series

Tour Rebecca McMackin's private Connecticut woodland garden — where Brooklyn Bridge Park's former Director of Horticulture creates habitat with native plants and low-intervention practices. Watch Now.

Video: Plan It Wild

I Didn't Know That!: Leave the Leaves

When fall arrives, many of us grab a rake and bag up fallen leaves without thinking twice. But did you know that those crunchy piles are more than yard waste? They’re also winter homes for pollinators! Read more.

Article: National Park Service

Image: Billy Flynn / NPS

False Boneset

Brickellia eupatorioides, commonly known as False Boneset, is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that is native to dry open woods, thickets, clearings, rocky slopes, limestone glades and prairies.

Bee Balm

Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, provides a habitat for various beneficial insects, including lacewings, minute pirate bugs and praying mantises. Additionally, Bees and other small insects will use the hollow center of smaller stems for nesting and overwintering.

Narrowleaf Silk Grass

Pityopsis graminifolia, commonly known as Narrowleaf Silk Grass, is a robust perennial wildflower native to the southeastern United States. Characterized by its brilliant yellow flowers and silvery leaves, the plant blooms in late summer through early winter attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

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.