Upcoming Events

Talk: Drawing from his extensive research spanning urban to rural landscapes and a profound love of birds, Nick’s talk will explore innovative solutions for mitigating avian mortality in human-dominated environments. With insights from his cross-disciplinary background in architecture and conservation biology, the talk will offer unique strategies for fostering harmonious relationships between birds and humans. Join him to discover how we can create safer habitats for migratory birds. 

Zoom Link

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Bio: Nick Liadis is an avian conservation biologist based in Pittsburgh. His work takes him across the human landscape gradient into urban, suburban, and rural areas to better understand how birds coexist with humans. Trained as an architect, he became involved in bird conservation by researching bird-window collisions. He founded Bird Lab, a non-profit dedicated to studying and implementing solutions to human-related sources of avian mortality, particularly within cities.

Nick has pioneered a novel approach to architecture by integrating his deep interest in the natural world, especially birdlife. Central to his cross-disciplinary work is resolving conflicts between the natural and built environments. Other research interests of his include how cities affect avian migration and how migratory birds utilize urban and suburban habitats.

With research and teaching appointments from California to Pennsylvania, Nick has gained significant insight into the challenges birds face nationwide. His unique perspective focuses on promoting healthy landscapes across the various ecosystems birds traverse during migration, from cities to forests.

The long-awaited event you’ve all been asking for is finally happening! 

Join us for a hands-on winter sowing workshop—and the best part? It’s at a brewery!

Our very own board member, Meagan Concannon, will be leading the way, showing us how it’s done step-by-step and answering all of your questions as you get to prepare your own winter sowing containers.

What to Bring:

-Your own plastic gallon jug
-Your seeds

We’ll provide everything else you need to get started. Grab your jug, your seeds, and a drink, and let's sow some native plants together!

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

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBINAR WILL NOT BE RECORDED. 

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!

Please email us if you are interested in attending.

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

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/

Held in collaboration with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Grow Pittsburgh, and Phipps Conservatory, the 13th annual Seed Swap at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main is a social and learning event featuring seed stories, conversations with gardening experts, hands-on activities for children and teens, and a selection of free seeds for the public.

Free workshops will include:

Seed Saving BasicsSeed StartingOrganic Gardening Basics

Gardeners are encouraged to bring their own untreated, non-GMO seeds to share, or pick up seeds donated by local gardeners, farmers and seed companies. A new batch of seeds will be released every half hour, and guests who bring seeds will be eligible to enter a raffle of fun items from Phipps Conservatory, Grow Pittsburgh and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Registration encouraged but not required.

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

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.

PANELISTS:

Adam Haritan (Learn Your Land)
Nick Liadis (Bird Lab)
Abigail Salisbury (State Representative)
Heather Hulton VanTassel, Ph.D. (Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Carnegie MNH)
Chris Murakami (Chatham University)

LEARN MORE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Ready to turn your yard into a native plant paradise? 

Join us for an exciting session with professional landscape designers: Meg Graham from May Apple Ecological Gardening and Design and Chris Kosin from GaiaScape Landscaping for a one-on-one mini layout consultation! 

This is your opportunity to get expert advice on layouts, plant selections, and creative ideas to make your garden thrive.

Bring everything you can—site dimensions, drawings, photos, and more—so our designers can help you craft a plan that’s perfect for your space.

Don't miss out on this amazing chance to get personalized tips and inspiration for creating a beautiful, sustainable landscape!

Join Wild Ones Western Pennsylvania for an exciting field trip to Ernst Conservation Seeds, a leader in native seed production and ecological restoration! Located in Meadville, PA, Ernst specializes in growing and supplying native seeds for habitat restoration, conservation, and sustainable landscaping. This visit will offer a behind-the-scenes look at their seed harvesting, cleaning, and processing operations, along with insights into the importance of native plants in supporting biodiversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and explore the impact of native seeds on local ecosystems! More about Ernst Conservation Seeds

Registration required - limited capacity!

This event will be open to the public, but priority will be given to members.

Please send  us an email at [email protected] if you're interested in learning more about our  board!

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!