Wild Ones South Central Ohio Chapter

05/29/2026

Are you familiar with Poison Hemlock? It's important to recognize & know the risks of handling it. Source: OSU BYGL

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2614?fbclid=IwdGRjcASGs2xjbGNrBIazIWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHjBSSQnyoOOfh6iQVskQTipN5lmjRoLk3iosqzxq

05/25/2026

Our Biocontrol of the Month for May is the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (otherwise known as Hb) nematode! Nematodes, also called roundworms, are microscopic animals that often feed on other microorganisms or insect larvae. Hb nematodes are a beneficial species that can be used to attack the grubs of harmful beetles in a gardener's soil. As with last month's biocontrol, milky spore disease, Hb nematodes are often used to manage Japanese beetle populations! Different strains are commercially available to interested gardeners who would prefer a biocontrol over a pesticide. To learn more about how Hb nematodes function, follow the link: https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-beneficial-hb-nematode

05/25/2026

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/zebra-swallowtail-could-become-ohios-official-state-butterfly/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASBmXVjbGNrBIGZbWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHgWrzATE6VALwHjtr-vLFAzLgprhurUgPOLzSYYAmWHMAMjixAfjUm7vWHar_aem_zQbExxOvvpolaSH8qXXOOg

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Statehouse lawmakers have introduced legislation that would designate the zebra swallowtail as Ohio’s official state butterfly, adding to a growing list of propo…

05/23/2026

Hats off to Wild Ones Columbus, OH for a successful native plant sale! Every native plant in the ground is a victory for restoring or creating habitats. Caterpillars, butterflies, bees, birds, and everything beyond is supported when we plant with purpose!

05/15/2026

Join the Pickaway County Master Gardeners for their annual plant sale. Details below.

05/15/2026

Our Pollinator of the Month for May is the polyester bee! These bees are named for the ability of the female to produce a type of natural plastic that lines the inside of their brood cells. Polyester bees are solitary burrowers with no known pattern of aggression towards humans (although they will sting if stepped on). They emerge each spring, build their nests in tunnels underground, and lay their eggs; the offspring won't emerge as fully-formed adult bees until the following year. Polyester bees are excellent pollinators of spring wildflowers, especially those in the aster family. To learn more about them as well as other Ohio bee species, follow the link: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-85

05/14/2026

Tonight is the Lady Beetle Community Science Training at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library Main branch the meeting will be at 6 pm in the annex behind the library.

05/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HXf3Airea/

Help STILL wanted
Native Plant Whisperer

We’re a small, mission-driven nursery focused on supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and we’re looking for that perfect person to join our team!

We’ve met some wonderful applicants over the past few weeks, but we’re still hoping to find someone passionate about native plants who can help on occasional Saturdays (typically 1-2 per month, 1/2 or full day).

Spring and summer tasks include transplanting perennial seedlings, potting up shrubs and trees, weeding, organizing, installing plants here on the property and, honestly, always moving plants. 😊

This position would be ideal for someone who:
• Has an interest in native plants, gardening and nature
• Enjoys talking with people and helping answer plant questions
• Is comfortable helping customers check out purchases
• Appreciates the mission of restoring habitat with native plants

Plant knowledge doesn’t have to be expert-level, but having a foundation or genuine interest makes the learning process much more intuitive.

Our ideal applicant could also help another half day to 2 days per week during the growing season. This is primarily a seasonal position, though there can be some fall and winter work as weather and workload allow.

Our retail season typically runs through the end of November. After we close, we spend time getting plants situated for winter and continue doing our own shrub and tree planting while plants are dormant. By that point, most employees appreciate the chance to slow down a bit, rest up and enjoy the holidays, with occasional workdays mixed in as weather allows.

Winter work can include planting trees and shrubs, landscaping, transplanting, taking cuttings, seed cleaning and winter sowing. Our spring season begins again in early March.

This is a great fit for a plant enthusiast, gardener, retiree, student in an environmental field, or someone who simply loves learning about native plants and helping people connect with nature.

If interested, please send us a message with a little about yourself and your experience/interests!
[email protected]

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

🚫 “Poison the base, poison it all.”
This image explains something important: when we use toxins in our yards or homes, they often don’t stay in one place.

🌱 It starts at the bottom
Anything that gets into plants & soil can move into:

🪲 bugs & insects

🐭 mice/rats

🐇 rabbits & squirrels

🐸 toads & spiders

🐦 birds
…and then into the animals that eat them:

🐍 snakes

🦉 hawks & owls

🦊 foxes

🐶🐱 even dogs & cats

⚠️ One big example: rodent poison
A poisoned mouse or rat can be eaten by an owl, hawk, fox, or a pet — and that toxin can harm them too. So what seems like a “quick fix” can turn into a chain reaction.

✅ What works without poisoning the whole ecosystem
Try these safer, proven steps first:

Seal entry points (tiny gaps matter)

Lock up food sources (trash, pet food, bird seed)

Reduce hiding spots (clutter, dense brush near walls)

Use traps instead of poison (especially if you have pets/wildlife nearby)

💚 Healthy yards = fewer pests long-term
When we protect the base (soil + plants), we protect the whole web of life that depends on it.

If you want, comment what you’re dealing with (rats, ants, roaches, aphids, etc.) and I’ll suggest a simple safer plan.