August settles in with its signature heat—the dog days of summer, when gardens hum with late-season pollinators and golden light stretches into the evening. Native plants like ironweed, Joe-Pye weed, and goldenrod are hitting their stride, offering vital nectar to bees and butterflies preparing for fall migrations.

Yet even in the warmth, subtle signs of the coming season begin to stir: a cooler breeze at dusk, the first leaves tinged with amber, and seedheads forming where blooms once stood. It’s a time of transition, when summer’s fullness meets autumn’s quiet promise.

At Tennessee Valley Wild Ones, we celebrate this seasonal shift and the resilience of native landscapes. Whether you're collecting seeds, planning fall plantings, or simply soaking in the late-summer buzz, August is a reminder that nature never stands still—and neither do we.

Join us for informative classes, hikes, programs, discussions and lectures, and help us change the planet, one yard at a time!

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

The Chattanooga Area Pollinator Partnership, an initiative by Tennessee Valley Wild Ones, is now accepting applications for the Seeds for Education Grant, a powerful opportunity to bring native habitat education to life in schools and community programs.

Whether you're an educator, youth program leader, or community organizer, consider applying on behalf of your organization to cultivate vibrant learning landscapes. Imagine outdoor classrooms filled with native plants, sensory-packed shrubs, and even edible trees—experiential tools that invite students to explore the interwoven wonders of our ecosystem.

Each grant recipient is paired with a dedicated mentor for year-round guidance, ensuring support and troubleshooting every step of the way. Awardees receive an initial $750 grant to launch their projects, followed by an additional $250 in year two to refresh and sustain their growth.

We're thrilled to share that the 2025 grant recipients will be formally announced by City of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly at this year’s Inaugural Distinguished Lecture Series, taking place October 3. A special moment that celebrates community-driven stewardship and educational innovation.

We’re deeply grateful to the Lyndhurst Foundation for supporting this inspiring program.

Deadline to apply: September 1 Let’s sow seeds of wonder and stewardship—spread the word within your networks and help bring native plants to the next generation’s doorstep.

Heat and Drought Stress

As we experience a very hot and humid summer, it’s important to check for signs of drought and heat stress in your plantings. This summer, the heat and humidity rolled in fast, and some plants may be experiencing stress. What does heat and drought stress look like? What should we be looking for? Read more.

Article from North Creek Nurseries

Where do Woodpeckers Migrate in Winter?

Some woodpeckers stay in the same place year-round, but in other instances, woodpeckers do head south for winter. Find out why some migrate and some don't. Read more.

Article from Birds & Blooms

Image Credit: Frank Grasso

August Weed Alert: Japanese Stiltgrass

Now is the time to identify and control this invasive grass before it seeds and spreads Read more.

Article from Blue Ridge PRISM

Image Credit: James H. Miller

Cardinal Flower



Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to four feet tall. It is found primarily in wet places, such as riparian zones, riverbanks, bogs or swamps. Cardinal flower is primarily pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Joe Pye Weed



Eutrochium, commonly called Joe Pye Weed, is a tall, late-blooming native plant that offers crucial pollen and nectar towards the late summer months when many other flowers have stopped blooming

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Cup Plant



Silphium perfoliatum, commonly called Cup Plant, is a tall native perennial known for its unique cup like leaves that hold water, attracting various pollinators - including this Tiger Swallowtail and native bumble bees.

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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