Attention gardeners: 'Wild Ones' promotes native plants,

Wild Ones is a wonderful group in town that promotes native plants and helps people connect with our natural areas. Below is a description of the organization in its own words. Be sure to check out their plant sale on June 6!

The Root River Chapter of Wild Ones will hold its fifth annual native plant sale on June 6, 2009 at the Kenosha County Center at Highways 50 and 45 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This will be southeastern Wisconsin’s largest native plant sale.

We have nearly 5,000 native trees, shrubs, woodland, prairie and rain garden species available for purchase. Chapter members will be on hand at the sale to provide expert advice and suggestions as to plant selection and planting requirements.

Wild Ones, a not-for-profit environmental education and advocacy organization, was established in 1979 and has over 50 chapters in 12 states.

Wild Ones promotes the establishment of native plant communities around homes and businesses, using ecologically sound practices. Through preservation and restoration of our natural areas, we are dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity.

Our Seeds for Education Fund provides grants for educational projects using native plants. In addition, we present talks at conferences and chapter meetings and provide a number of publications.

Our newest Ecoscaper Certification Program provides members an opportunity for self education about native landscaping and a chance to apply that knowledge as an advocate for native plants and native landscaping in their neighborhood and community.

The No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 advocates more environmental education for children and seeks to reconnect children with nature through outdoor learning experiences.

Our local service projects include on-going sponsorship of the Janes School Wildflower Garden, invasive plant removal and stewardship of local parks and nature centers, and native plant donations for establishment and restoration of local natural areas.

The Root River Chapter includes members from all areas of southeastern Wisconsin, mainly from Racine and Kenosha counties and welcomes new members at any time.

Additional information can be found at the Wild Ones website, www.for-wild.org. or by contacting Root River Chapter President, Nan Calvert at 262-681-4899 or Vice President Sue Borger at 262-552-8598.