Events

Spread the Night: Why Artificial Light is Harmful in the Garden.  Did you know our gardens are dying for darkness?  

Yes, gardens prefer life on the dark side at night. But a garden’s darkness is good,  not sinister. Indeed, darkness at night can improve your garden’s ecological function.  

Many gardeners today are trying to work with, not against, nature. We’re learning  more about our garden’s effect on local ecosystems and choosing plants that  support native bees, feed caterpillars of butterflies and moths, and provide birds  with food and habitat.  

We know pollinators are decreasing worldwide due to habitat loss and pesticide use,  and we are creating eco-friendly gardens to help combat this loss.  

But another factor has come to light— namely, artificial light. Too much of it shines  on our gardens at night.  

In recent years, the loss of darkness has disrupted the natural seasonal rhythms of  plants, birds, pollinators, nocturnal wildlife, and humans. Artificial light impacts the  circadian functions of all living things in our environment.  

In her talk, Spread the Night, Not the Light, Phyllis Gricus, horticulturist, award winning landscape designer, and garden writer, will share examples of the  detrimental effects of light pollution on plants and animals. She will also discuss  ways homeowners can assess their impact on the local environment and implement  better outdoor lighting. Just as importantly, she will explain why, unlike other  seemingly unsurmountable environmental issues, the problem of light pollution is  easily solved by each and every one of us. 

Zoom Link

Bio:

Phyllis Gricus is a landscape designer, horticulturist, and unapologetic tree hugger with years  of experience and a commitment to spending time in nature.  

She is the principal of Landscape Design Studio, LLC in Pittsburgh, PA.  Her firm has been dedicated to creating imaginative landscapes that benefit the environment  for twenty-five years.  

She has served as the Consulting Horticultural Director for Kentuck Knob, a residence  designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. For eight years, she  contributed landscape designs to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and several private homes on  the resort's property.  

Her work at Nevillewood Golf Course in Presto, Pennsylvania, introduced many Audubon certified design concepts, such as buffer plantings around ponds to reduce erosion and improve water quality. Creating wildlife habitat in out-of-play rough areas. 

Phyllis is an award-winning writer who has contributed to numerous garden-related blogs and local and national publications as a freelance garden writer. You can read and download articles from Horticulture Magazine, Monrovia, and other publications on her website.  

She speaks and writes about sustainable gardening and landscaping topics to help gardeners  build resilient, healthy ecosystems.

New to native plants or curious to learn more about native gardening and keystone species and their vital role in supporting ecosystems? Join us for an engaging session with our Wild Ones member, Sarah Flanders. Sarah is an experienced educator who teaches about native plant gardening throughout the Pittsburgh area. 

Sarah will be able to answer your questions on starting your native garden and the importance of keystone species. 

Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how to create thriving, biodiverse landscapes!

Join us for our 2025 Wild Ones Western PA Area Winter Social!

Who: MEMBERS ONLY (+ their families)

What: Potluck-style salad bar + beverages/desserts

When: Saturday, March 1st 2025, 11am - 1pm

Where: Point Breeze, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (full address sent to members via email)

Why: Socialize with other members, share gardening updates, make new connections, etc.

Registration required: https://westernpa.wildones.org/2025-winter-social-registration/

Join the Western Pennsylvania Wild Ones for our 3rd Annual Symposium that explores the vital connection between communities and native ecosystems. This engaging event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions with experts and advocates, delicious food, refreshing drinks (including alcoholic options), and ample opportunities for socializing and networking. Together, we’ll reimagine our role in fostering harmony between human activity and natural habitats while celebrating the power of community. Whether you’re a conservationist, gardener, or simply a nature enthusiast, this gathering promises to leave you inspired and “naturally connected.”

Let’s grow together—because building stronger communities starts with restoring the land we share.

The panelists include:

Adam Haritan (Learn Your Land)
Nick Liadis (Bird Lab)
and more!

TICKETS ON SALE SOON!

Curious about starting a vegetable garden or incorporating edible native plants into your landscape? Join us for an informative session with Alexis Williams of Earth Offerings Garden Consulting and Installation. 

Alexis will answer your questions about designing and planting gardens that are not only beautiful but also bountiful and environmentally friendly.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn how to grow food while supporting native ecosystems. Don’t miss this chance to connect, ask questions, and get inspired!

Already have a veggie garden? This gathering is as much a social event as educational. This is a great opportunity to meet with other Wild Ones members and like minded folks.

10% Discount to Active Wild Ones Members! Join Today

Plants – More than 45 species and 2000 individual plants! (Species List will be released in the spring!)

Food Truck – TBD

Bake Sale Fundraiser – homemade bread, cookies, brownies, and much more! (DF/GF Options)

Themed Raffle Basket Fundraiser

Vendors - Local artists, non-profits, authors, farms, and more! 

Are you interested in being a vendor at this event? Fill out our vendor application! bit.ly/WONativeEvent2025
 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!