post and photos by Donna Short, Chapter member and volunteer
November 16, 2023
Click on the photo to see a larger version
A crowd of over 100 native plant enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Wild Ones St Louis and exchange plant seeds.
Members review the available seed packets harvested by Wild Ones members, as well as donated seeds. Kevin Mowery answered questions and provided examples of containers that can be used to germinate plants outside over the winter months. Kathy Bildner and Susan Burk also answered questions and provided guidances
Throughout the evening there was a steady stream of members collecting seeds to expand their native plant garden
Seed poster created by Kathy Bildner shows an example of various seeds types.
Displays and games provided an opportunity for members to test their knowledge or expand their understanding of native plants.
Can you guess the plants shown?
Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum), River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Wild Senna (Senna marilandica), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis). Arrangement by Kevin Mowery
Helen’s Flower (Helenium autumnale), Wingstem (Verbesina helianthoides), Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya). Arrangement by Brenda Adams
Could you Match the Butterfly to its host plant? In addition, we also played Match the Caterpillar to the Butterfly or Moth and Match the Seedheads
Yard signs and plant id tags were available for pickup and purchase.
Wild Ones 25th Anniversary t-shirts were on display for pickup or purchase.
The crowd enjoyed a variety of snacks, beverages and conversation.
Wild Ones 2023 Photo Contest 1st Place Winner Bi-Colored Striped Sweat Bee in the Pollinators category by member Patty Berry was on display.
Time to celebrate the Wild Ones 25th Anniversary with cake! Marsha Gebhardt, current president, and Scott Woodbury, first chapter president cut the cake!
Marsha Gebhardt addressed members to conduct our annual chapter meeting. The first order of business was to nominate and elect a Board. Kathy Bildner nominated the existing board. This motion was unanimously seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
Scott Woodbury, founder and first chapter president, combined a slide show presentation with recognition of individuals who were influential in spreading the word on native plants in the early days and highlighted how these people and projects tie us all together in our goal to advance our mission of spreading the word on the importance of native plants “healing the earth one yard at a time”.
Marsha returned to the podium to provide an overview of the last 25 years and recognize the contributions of the membership. Here is a recap.
Renee Benage announced the Door Prize winners.
Thanks to all who made this night possible. The support and comradery of the Wildones members is a balm and motivation to continue the work of stewardship.
I really enjoyed the meeting. I have started a new native plant bed with the seeds i acquired. I am looking forward to the next event
Thank you it was fun