The days are getting longer! While there are plenty of amazing things to see in the natural world during the winter, it's also time for the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones to be looking forward to spring.

Our first Certificate in Native Plants class of the year is this Saturday, January 11th! Angela Dittmar will teach us about observational drawing, which is an excellent way to learn about our native plants.

And our first FREE public program is on Monday, January 13th. Mitchell Kent will share photos and information about ephemeral wildflowers and get us ready for the first wildflower blooms, which will be happening soon.

We hope you can join us!

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.



Registration to volunteer with Understory is open now!

Orchard Knob has been selected as the first neighborhood to kick off the tree-planting efforts. January 11th (and every other Saturday afterward) will be volunteer planting days where you can roll up your sleeves and make a tangible difference.

Where: Orchard Knob neighborhood

What to expect: Each event will include hands-on demonstrations led by Chris Winters, an ISA Certified Master Arborist, who will teach you how to plant trees and answer any tree-related questions.

This is your chance to meet new people, have some fun, and contribute to a greener Chattanooga. Together, we can grow a healthier, more beautiful community—one tree at a time.

Sign up to volunteer with Understory!

Info about Understory

Urban Ecology

Volunteer Certificate Opportunities

Become a Certified Volunteer Urban Ecologist

with the City of Chattanooga Parks:

(Receive an official certificate upon completion)

• Attend 1 tree planting workshop
• Attend 1 invasive species removal workshop
• Attend 1 riparian buffer restoration workshop
• Participate in the invasive species monitoring and reporting citizen science program

Become an Urban Ecology Community Leader

with the City of Chattanooga Parks:

(Receive an official certificate upon completion and become eligible to assist in leading volunteers in proper planting techniques and assisting with tree inventory)

• Attend 3 tree planting workshops
• Attend 2 invasive species removal workshops
• Attend 1 riparian buffer restoration workshop
• Participate in the invasive species monitoring and reporting citizen science program

Funded by the USDA Forest Service. The goal of this grant is to increase urban tree canopy in areas of Chattanooga that have been historically underserved. Read more about the grant HERE.

Signups for workshops begin in January. For more information: https://chattanooga.gov/things-to-do/volunteer-parks

Note that these activities WILL qualify for volunteer hours for the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild One Certificate in Native Plants.

Burrowing Into Winter: Where Do Turtles Go When It Gets Cold?

Box turtles, beloved for their unique appearance and gentle disposition, have a remarkable ability to survive harsh winters through a process called brumation. This is similar to hibernating, but since turtles are cold-blooded, it is referred to as brumation.  Read more.

Birdwatching in the Tennessee Valley

For many years, TVA has worked in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies to promote healthy conditions for birds as part of its mission to care for public lands. Efforts have included installing bird boxes; planting native grasses for songbirds, game birds and other wildlife; and building nesting platforms for osprey.

As a result of TVA’s efforts, its lands have become a birdwatcher’s paradise, with birds living in and migrating through TVA lands year-round. Read more and learn about some of the best sites for birdwatchers, along with the species you’re likely to see.

In late December, Mike and Marion O'Brien visited Crown Creek Wildlife Preserve off of the Tennessee River at Stevenson Park, and Mike photographed some amazing sightings.

Sandhill Cranes

Photo by Mike O'Brien.

Blue Heron.

Photo by Mike O'Brien.

Sycamore Tree seed balls.

Photo by Mike O'Brien.

Empty Bald Faced Hornet nest.

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.

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