Events

Wild Ones GBR gave away native lyre leaf sage plants and offered information on Soft landing plantings under native trees. 

Join the LSU AgCenter and Wild Ones to celebrate Arbor Day. Not ony caan you take home a tree, but you'll have a unique opportunity to plant one in the Burden Woods and even track it's growth with GPS coordintes. This will help restore native tees lot to hurricanes and drought.

Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly day with activities for all ages, including educational exhibits on native trees, a scavenger hunt, and a special visit from Smokey Bear.

Come visit out WOs table and see our natve plants and seed display. 

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.

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.

At this spring quarterly meeting, we will have speakers Peggy Coates (WOGBR Member and retired Executive Director of LSU Hilltop Arboretum), and Elise and Leigh from the West Baton Rouge Garden Club will be discussing the growing interest in native plants in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. This will be followed by a talk from Katie Clarke, WOGBR Member and owner of Let it Bee Landscaping, about dealing with invasive plants in home gardens. We will end with a discussion of upcoming chapter events and other membership updates.

Quarterly Member Meeting (open to the public) - speaker to be announced. Will discuss upcoming chapter events and member volunteer opportunities.

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Spend a summer evening surrounded by nature’s most delicate wonders at Sip & Flutter, a unique program celebrating butterflies, moths, and the plants that support them. Begin your evening with a stroll through Hilltop Arboretum’s flourishing pollinator garden, a haven for winged visitors, while enjoying a refreshing botanical mocktail.

Then, join naturalists Janine Kharey and Teri Rome for an engaging talk on the fascinating lives of butterflies and moths—from their vital roles in ecosystems to the surprising ways they interact with our gardens and landscapes. Whether you’re a nature lover, gardener, or simply curious, this evening will leave you inspired and enchanted.

Cost: Hilltop, LMNGBR members and students $15, Non-members $20

In partnership with Wild Ones GBR, LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge, and the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association.

Discover how ecological landscaping with native plants can make your landscape more resilient and help address the climate crisis. This webinar will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to designing and maintaining landscapes that build resilience to climate change and support native biodiversity. Join Wild Ones for a free webinar, “EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis,” featuring environmental horticulturalist and ecological landscape designer Kim Eierman.

The Baton Rouge Audubon Society's September program features Janine Kharey, founding president of Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge. Janine’s program will focus on the fascinating world of native plants and their crucial role in supporting pollinator biodiversity in planned gardens. This program delves into the intricate relationships between specific native plants and the diverse pollinators they attract, including hoverflies, beetles, bees, moths, and butterflies. You'll learn about the unique characteristics of different pollinator groups and the specific plants and design elements that cater to their needs. This comprehensive look at native plants and pollinators empowers you to create a garden that is not only beautiful but also a thriving sanctuary for a wide array of beneficial insects.

6:30pm Refreshments

7:00 pm Program

BR Audubon offers an option to join via Zoom. Register for the Zoom option at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hOpnifFwS5O7ytJya2tjQA. The programs are recorded and stored on the Baton Rouge Audubon Society YouTube channel.

Join us for a Wildflower Walk!

We will wander the trails at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden to look for wildflowers, host plants for butterflies, and any other interesting things.

Meet at the Wild Ones GBR native plant demonstration planter in the Children's Garden. The Children's Garden is  just before the visitor/conference center.

Free!

E-mail us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Discover over 3,000 plants and more than 300 species of native and traditional trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ferns, succulents, and grasses—sourced from top-quality nurseries across the region. Whether you’re dreaming of a pollinator-friendly haven, a bold native garden, or a fresh addition to your landscape, our team of Hilltop plant experts will be there to guide your selections and offer expert advice.

Discover over 3,000 plants and more than 300 species of native and traditional trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ferns, succulents, and grasses—sourced from top-quality nurseries across the region. Whether you’re dreaming of a pollinator-friendly haven, a bold native garden, or a fresh addition to your landscape, our team of Hilltop plant experts will be there to guide your selections and offer expert advice.

In preparation for the Seed Swap on October 19, Wild Ones GBR chapter members are invited to socialize while processing some of the seeds we have received for our seed swap and native seed program. No experience necessary!

Tales from the Wild 

Janie Braud, WildOnes GBR Treasurer, and Louisiana Master Naturalist since 2016, will introduce you to a few people that have found a special niche in "wild" Louisiana. Nature nerds at heart  - we love learning about frogs, mushrooms, bats, bees, plants, birds, and more. During this presentation, you will hear from ordinary people that have discovered extraordinary things. LMNGBR has a TOP 20 International ranking of species documented for the 2024 City Nature Challenge. 

About the Speaker:

Janie has been an active participant in Burden activities since the Project Learning Tree Trees and Trails was first established (guessing 15 years ago) - representing East Baton Rouge Parish Schools as a Science Curriculum Specialist.   Prior to that, she taught biology and environmental science at Tara High School for 27 years.  Upon retiring, Janie was part of the volunteer group that hosted school field trips on the trails.   Currently she is serving on the Board of the Friends of Burden.  As a Master Naturalist since 2016, she has served as a Board Member of local, state and national organizations.    She received her Master Gardener certification during the "Covid remote -learning year" - 2020.  Other organizations that she is active in include:  Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana Native Plant Society, Louisiana Photographic Society,  and her church - St Luke's Episcopal.   Her favorite thing to do is slow hiking in nature with her camera.  

Event Details:
October 6, 2025 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)

Reflections in the Garden is a monthly "lunch and learn" series presented by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. The lectures are generally held on the first Monday of the month at noon at the Botanic Gardens.

Reflections in the Garden is live-streamed to members of the Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens through Microsoft Teams. In-person attendance is open to both members and nonmembers with registration.

Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Members: Free

Non-members: $10

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. 

Wild Ones Chapter Members have been busy collecting seeds from our certified habitats.

This is the fourth year that we have met to offer seeds and to accept donations to fill our supply for our various projects throughout the year.

You don’t need to bring seeds to attend. But if you do, please be sure to label them as accurately as you can. (Ask us how)

If you are not a chapter member, we ask that you be prepared to help us cover the cost associated with the meeting by paying $5.00 at the door.

If you’d like to become a member or contribute a donation to help us offer more free programs in the future visit greaterbatonrouge.WildOnes.org - join or donate.

Any questions: [email protected]

Join EBRPL and Louisiana Wild Society on Saturday, November 8, from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood as we plant a brand-new, large-scale native plant pollinator garden—and we need your help!

Throughout the day, you can:
- Learn about native plants and the pollinators they support
- Get hands-on planting experience & discover root-pruning techniques
- Visit the Seed Library and take home seeds to start your own garden
- Enjoy garden workshops, crafts, and family-friendly activities (plus a yoga flashmob!)
- Connect with community partners like Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge, Master Naturalists, Baton Roots, and more
- Shop for native plants from Helping Hands Nursery and Rotglow Farm—or “adopt” a plant with Louisiana Wild Society
- Grab coffee and refreshments from House Brew Coffee & S.A.B.s Snowballs Food Truck
- We’ll wrap up the day with a community litter clean-up led by River McGlone and Keep Tigertown Beautiful.

Come dig in, get inspired, and help us grow a wilder, greener Baton Rouge!

Don't miss the “Garden Discoveries Presents: What You Plant Can Make a Difference” presentation by WildOnes GBR President, Janine Kharey at 10AM!

The Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation is hosting a FREE Garden Discoveries event, “What You Plant Can Make a Difference” led by Janine Kharey, Master Naturalist, Master Gardener and President of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge.

Plants are the foundation for healthy ecosystems, but not all plants are equal in what they contribute. This presentation will introduce you to the plants that you can include in your garden that make the most difference in the greater Baton Rouge region. When you know what to plant even small spaces can make a big impact. 

Weather permitting a tour will follow of the Baton Rouge Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Library. 

Discover the power of ecological garden design in this free national webinar, Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard, with award-winning landscape designer Larry Weaner. Join us for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of controlling it. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Larry will share practical strategies for designing dynamic gardens that evolve naturally, support biodiversity, and bring lasting beauty to your yard.

Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.