Story of a Nature Lover
Susan Orr is the embodiment of a Nature Lover. Whether volunteering with the horticulture group at Shaw Nature Reserve, assessing yards for the St. Louis Audubon Society, or locating locales and speakers for Wild Ones, she brings talent and a broad perspective of all things natural to her efforts.
Susan joined our chapter in 2002.
As an honoree she said, “I attended a “How to Attract Birds to your Yard” class at Meramec Community College. The instructor was Ann McCormack, and she told us about a new organization called Wild Ones. I begin attending Wild Ones meetings. It didn’t seem to matter if we became members or not, so I attended meetings for two years before becoming a paid member!”
“After eliminating an acre of bush honeysuckle behind my house, I realized I had to replace it with something. Calling on the information I had gained from Wild Ones and Shaw Nature Reserve’s Native Plant School, I began planting with natives. Twenty-two years later I now have approximately 250 native forbs, shrubs and trees, and I am certified Platinum with St. Louis Audubon’s Bring Conservation Home (BCH) program. I became a BCH habitat advisor and have done over 70 consultations. My biggest challenge has been deer and rabbits eating my plants. With so many beds, I’ve found it easiest to just fence everything in!”
In 1979, after hearing Otto lecture, nine women began to meet monthly to discuss natural landscaping. They wanted to promote the use of native plants to landscape city and suburban yards. They called themselves the “Wild Ones” and today their organization has chapters throughout the United States.
“In the early 2000s, the National Wild Ones organization held annual two-day conferences in various cities. People came from all over to attend. They were educational and fun. At the conference held in Madison, WI, I met Lorrie Otto, who was the founding inspiration for Wild Ones . Lorrie graciously gave a tour of her garden.”
“During the early years at Wild Ones I was on the board as Membership chair. I just retired from the board, again, after having been Program chair for the past 7 years, setting up our monthly gatherings. I truly enjoy the camaraderie with Wild Ones members, many whom have become my longtime friends.”
post by Savannah Furman, Chapter member and volunteer
To learn more about our Keystone Member series and other members we are highlighting
visit: https://stlwildones.org/keystone-members/
Long time friend thanks you! I have plants growing in my yard that you grew from seeds.