by Peggy Hanson
Oh, what fun being with plant people! Here is a look back at our most recent events that exemplify the mission and community of the Wild Ones Front Range chapter.
Hikes!
A big thanks to member Pam Schulz who scouted, coordinated, led and interpreted our hikes at Two Bridges Open Space (May 29) and the Larkspur Private Ranch (June 11). She created great plant lists, led tours to those plants and gave great perspective and history of the spaces explored. Amidst the expanse, participants got down low to investigate the unique traits of native plants in their natural setting.
Outreach!
Wild Ones partnered with many like-minded organizations and native plant enthusiasts to pull off two successful plant swaps & giveaways in Denver (June 12) and Fort Collins (June 19). It took an army of volunteers to grow, pot up and deliver the plants, as well as set up and staff the events. Thank you to all who answered the call and shared your enthusiasm with participants! Despite the heat, we estimate a total of about 5,000 plants were given away at the two events with approximately 500 people attending.
Wild Ones also participated in the Pollinator Celebration at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins. Member Vicki Philips led participants in making seed balls and member Felicia Hirning introduced Wild Ones to event attendees. Thank you, both!
Yard Tours!
Wild Ones Programming team, Jen Smith, Laurel Starr and Vicki Philips put on two garden tours in Golden (June 9) and Fort Collins (July 16) that offered participants two gardens to peruse at each event – double the pleasure.
Volunteers make these events possible! As you can imagine from these photos, stepping up as an “event host” is an engaging and memorable way to volunteer with WOFR. Do you have a space with native plants that you know well and can be used for guided hikes or yard tours? If so, contact us to explore curating an event!
Curious to learn more about transforming your garden into a habitat with Colorado native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees? Check out our native gardening toolkit, register for an upcoming event, subscribe to our newsletter, and/or become a member – if you’re not one already!