Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin

08/26/2026

Look at this list! Can’t wait to see y’all at the Bartram Bio Bash, September 25-27!!!

07/31/2026

🌿 Meet the Speaker: Shaun McCoshum, PhD

Landscape ecologist. Certified Wildlife Biologist. Botanist. Conservationist.

With more than 20 years of experience in ecological restoration, habitat management, and conservation research, Shaun McCoshum has helped restore ecosystems and develop habitat plans. As a Senior Ecologist and author of Natural Habitats and Wildlife Gardening: Inviting Nature Into Your Backyard, he combines scientific research with practical strategies that help people create landscapes where wildlife can thrive. 🦋

In this free Wild Ones webinar, Shaun will explore how ecological principles can help you create habitat that support pollinators, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife year-round.

📅 Wednesday, August 19

Register today: https://wildones.org/the-ecology-of-home-creating-habitat-that-works/

07/22/2026

3 Louisiana Native Plants That Bloom for Months. One of the easiest ways to support wildlife is to choose native plants with long bloom periods. These species keep producing flowers through much of the summer and into fall, providing lasting interest in the garden.

🌱 Narrowleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
Blooms: July–September
A long-blooming favorite that's one of the best native plants for attracting a wide variety of pollinators.

💙 Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
Blooms: July–October
Its long-lasting blooms make it an important late-season nectar source for butterflies and native bees.

🌻 Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
Blooms: August–October (often longer in mild years)
A dependable bloomer that helps extend the flowering season well into fall.

By planting native species with overlapping bloom times, you can enjoy flowers for months while creating a landscape that continues to support Louisiana's wildlife throughout the growing season.

07/22/2026

Don’t forget about this webinar tonight at 6pm.

🌿 Meet the Speaker: Lorraine Johnson

We're excited to welcome author and community activist Lorraine Johnson as part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge with Wildr Places.

Lorraine has spent more than 30 years helping people reconnect with nature through native plants. An author, community activist, and former Honorary Director of Wild Ones, she's written 14 books on native plants, pollinators, and ecological gardening, and has inspired countless people to create landscapes that support biodiversity.

In this free webinar, Lorraine will share practical strategies for talking with neighbors, navigating HOA concerns, and building support for native plant gardens in your community.

Whether you're preparing for an HOA review or simply wondering how to answer, "Why does your yard look like that?" you'll leave with practical, grounded advice you can put to use right away.

📅 Wednesday, July 22
👉 Register for the free webinar: https://wildones.org/how-to-talk-about-native-plants-with-your-hoa/

Not part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge yet? Join thousands of people transforming everyday outdoor spaces into habitat: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/?ref=wildones

07/10/2026

🌿 Meet the Speaker: Lorraine Johnson

We're excited to welcome author and community activist Lorraine Johnson as part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge with Wildr Places.

Lorraine has spent more than 30 years helping people reconnect with nature through native plants. An author, community activist, and former Honorary Director of Wild Ones, she's written 14 books on native plants, pollinators, and ecological gardening, and has inspired countless people to create landscapes that support biodiversity.

In this free webinar, Lorraine will share practical strategies for talking with neighbors, navigating HOA concerns, and building support for native plant gardens in your community.

Whether you're preparing for an HOA review or simply wondering how to answer, "Why does your yard look like that?" you'll leave with practical, grounded advice you can put to use right away.

📅 Wednesday, July 22
👉 Register for the free webinar: https://wildones.org/how-to-talk-about-native-plants-with-your-hoa/

Not part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge yet? Join thousands of people transforming everyday outdoor spaces into habitat: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/?ref=wildones

07/05/2026

Happy Sunday! Check out the summer issue of the Wild Ones Journal.

Summer is officially here, and so is the summer issue of the Wild Ones Journal.

Inside this issue:
• Indigenous perspectives on Cultural Burning and the role of fire in caring for the land
• How to think about native plants, fire safety and the landscape around your home
• Tick prevention tips that support both human health and biodiversity
• Real-world examples of HOAs transitioning from turfgrass to native landscapes
• A summer foraging favorite: black raspberries
• School pollinator gardens growing with support from Wild Ones chapters
• Why snags, stumps and logs deserve a place in habitat gardens

This issue continues the Journal’s 2026 theme: The Year of Climate Action, exploring how native plants help create resilient landscapes and healthier communities.

On the longest day of the year, take a little time to settle in, cool off and explore the newest issue. Members can read the full issue here: https://wildones.org/journals/

07/02/2026

🌱 June Native Plant News is Here! 🌿

This month's stories highlight the importance of protecting native habitats, restoring iconic ecosystems, and conserving the plants and pollinators that depend on them.

✨ Highlights:
🌾 America's native grasslands continue to disappear
🌼 Two Northwest goldenweed wildflowers seek Endangered Species Act protection
🐝 1.5 million acres designated as critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee
🔥 Rare plants on California's Santa Rosa Island threatened by wildfire
🦋 1,900 acres of prairie and wetlands protected in Minnesota
🌲 Virginia works to restore its historic longleaf pine forests
🌊 New research shows protecting mature salt marshes is essential for storing carbon

From prairie conservation to pollinator recovery, native plants remain at the heart of healthier ecosystems and stronger communities. Read the full blog to explore this month's stories.

🔗 https://wildones.org/june-2026-native-plant-news/

07/02/2026

Join us for a relaxing afternoon of community, conversation, and conservation!

Help us sort and package native wildflower seeds that will be used to support future native plant projects throughout our community. No experience is necessary—we’ll show you everything you need to know, and all supplies are provided.

Whether you’re a longtime Wild Ones member or simply curious about native plants, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow nature lovers, make new friends, and make a difference one seed at a time.

📅 Monday, July 13, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Covington Branch
St. Tammany Parish Library
310 W. 21st Ave.
Covington, LA 70433

🌿 Free to attend!
💚 Bring a Friend!

04/17/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the presentation Sunday!