Events Calendar

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Throughout 2026, Tennessee Valley Wild Ones has explored phenology, the study of seasonal timing in the natural world, through a year-long journey of observation, curiosity, and connection. Together, we have followed nature's calendar, from the first unfurling leaves of spring to summer's pollinator activity, from ripening seeds and migrating birds to the quiet transitions of autumn and winter.

Along the way, we have done more than observe ecological events. We have practiced something increasingly rare: slowing down. We have learned to pay attention to the subtle signals all around us, the first bloom, the arrival of a familiar bird, the hum of emerging insects, the changing colors of a woodland edge. Nature has taught us that every season carries its own wonders and that the living world reveals itself more fully when we pause long enough to notice.

As the grand culmination of our year-long theme, we are honored to welcome Dr. Theresa Crimmins, one of the nation's foremost experts in phenology. Drawing on decades of research and public engagement, Dr. Crimmins will help us weave together the observations and insights we've gathered throughout the year, illuminating how seasonal patterns connect species, ecosystems, climate, and people. She will explore what phenology can teach us about ecological change, conservation, and the profound value of paying attention.

Join us for this inspiring capstone program as we celebrate a year spent looking more closely, listening more carefully, and rediscovering our place within nature's rhythms. Through the simple act of noticing, we have deepened our understanding of the world around us, and this special presentation will show us why those observations matter now more than ever.

Planting native species is an important step toward creating habitat, but how can you tell what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus your efforts next?

Join Wild Ones and Wildr Places for The Habitat Check-up, a free webinar exploring a practical, science-informed approach to evaluating your home landscape. Presenter Zoe Evans will introduce five key areas to consider when assessing habitat and share how thoughtful observations can help guide your next steps.

Whether you’re just getting started with native plants or have been gardening for years, this webinar will help you look at your landscape through a new lens.

This is part two in the Botany Core Course series. You must complete Botany I prior to taking Botany II. (Believe us, this is for your own good!)

About this class: The goals of the class are to discuss plant cell and tissue types and major vegetative structures, explore reproduction, and sample some of the strategies and structures that plants use to continue life from generation to generation. 

Be on the lookout: Once you have registered, we will email you with pre-course work and any other materials needed for this class.

Materials to bring! Notebook, pencils, a 10X Magnifier, snacks, water, and a lunch. This class will be both in and out of doors, please wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

Registration Policy: 

As with all CNP classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.

If registration is full, you may email [email protected] and ask to be placed on a wait list. This is not a guarantee that a spot will open up. Please be gracious, we are all volunteers.

Help make our chapter's Holiday Gathering merry and bright!

We're looking for volunteers to help set up and decorate, organize the potluck and food drive, greet attendees, and assist with clean up. 

Link to sign up coming soon. Additional details will be emailed to volunteers before the event. 

Join your native plant friends in celebrating another successful year for the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones! Members are welcome to bring a guest.

Potluck: Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Main dish and beverages, including beer and wine, will be provided. Sign up here. 

Food Drive: We'll be collecting canned goods, cash, and checks for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.  Not able to bring food items? Your donation will go straight to stocking the pantry and supporting families in this community. Every contribution helps. 

Member Anniversary Recognition: We'll be honoring members celebrating 1, 5, and 10 years of tenure with the chapter.

Transportation : Uber and Lyft both serve the Crabtree Farms area and we encourage the use of rideshares.

Help us create a great gathering: Volunteers are needed for setup and cleanup, and your time counts toward CNP certification. Sign up here. 

Join Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones for our 7-class series in Ecological Gardening, taught by local experts who are passionate personal and professional ecological gardeners. You can attend classes as a series, or as standalone classes. 

This seventh and final class in the Ecological Gardening Series will cover the basics of collecting your own seeds, as well as different propagation methods.

More details to come! 

Presenter: Jonathan Nicholson, Board Member of Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones

A well-designed native plant garden is more than beautiful. It is functional, resilient, and perfectly suited to its place. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how the principles of great garden design apply to native plants and discover a step-by-step process for creating your own garden plan to scale.

Explore how to use native plants for year-round color, striking forms, diverse textures, and the right fit for your site's light and moisture conditions. We'll also discuss practical strategies for addressing common challenges such as deer pressure, drainage issues, and local regulations, helping you create a landscape that works in the real world. Along the way, you'll be inspired by stunning examples of native plant gardens and plant combinations.

Upon registration, you will receive instructions for creating a base map of the space you wish to design, along with a list of the supplies and equipment you'll need for class.

Please bring your completed base map, equipment, supplies, and a report of your soil test to class. Together, we'll put your vision on paper and help you take the first steps toward a beautiful, ecologically vibrant native plant landscape.
 

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.