Gathering highlights by Donna Short The Botanists Among Us: Host Plant Specialization Insects Presented by: Ted C. MacRae Ted’s presentation displayed his enthusiasm for insects and knowledge of their role and evolutionary development. Insects have been associated with plants since the origins of both groups, and in some species the…
by Erin Goss, Chapter Member and Chairperson, Landscape Challenge Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 St. Louis Wild Ones Landscape Challenge, Jeanine Arrighi! Her yard in South County was chosen from 10 applicants and features a small front yard perfect for adding a native landscape. Now active Wild Ones…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member This is your last chance to prune dormant trees. November 15 to March 15 is the best time to prune most trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs should be pruned before the buds start to swell and the leaves come out. Prune…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member The spring rains are coming, and it is best to work on erosion control before they start. Clear out any leaves and debris clogging the flow of water starting with the gutters and downspouts. After the downspout, the water flows towards the…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member Prepare future garden beds for fall planting. Lawns and weedy areas of new beds can be smothered with a layer of cardboard covered in mulch. Cracks and joints in the cardboard can be sealed over with newspaper, several layers of newspaper can…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member Help the Audubon society by joining in the great backyard bird count. This citizen science project involves watching for birds in your backyard and reporting them to be counted as part of the great backyard bird count. Feb 13-16 2026 Learn more…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member Most bare-rooted trees and shrubs should be planted in February or early March. Trees arriving by mail order should be planted as soon as possible. For temporary storage make sure that all roots are covered in moist soil and never allowed to…
Native Plant School Class Recap-Management and Potential uses of Invasive Species Summary and photos by Jen Sieradzki, Manager of Native Plant Horticulture for Shaw Nature Reserve Invasive plants pose a serious threat to native species, but some can also benefit humans, supplying goods such as food, feed, medicine, or raw…
Gathering highlights and photos by Donna Short Do More by Doing Less: Ways to Reduce Yard Maintenance and Increase Habitat Quality for birds and other wildlife Presented by: Dan Pearson, Director of St. Louis Audubon Society’s Bring Conservation Home program Dan’s presentation was a cross between a quiz show and…
Maintaining Wild Tip by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member Gardening tools can be cleaned, oiled, and sharpened now. Repair the tools you can or send them off to be repaired at the hardware store or their manufacturer. Sharp tools like pruners and shovels cause less damage to plants by making clean…
