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Founded | 1977 Milwaukee, United States |
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Type | Non-governmental organization |
Focus | conservation, community education, advocacy |
Location |
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Area served | United States |
Website | wildones |
Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes[1] is a non-governmental, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to promote environmentally sound landscaping practices and preserve biodiversity.
As of November 2021, it has 64 chapters across 23 states in the United States [1] to engage in environmental education and advocacy activities.[2]
Wild Ones was founded in 1977 by nine people after attending a natural landscaping lecture by Lorrie Otto at the Schlitz Audubon Center.[3]
In 2008, through grant assistance from the Fox River/Green Bay Natural Resource Trustee Council and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, Wild Ones established its new headquarters in Neenah, Wisconsin called WILD Center (Wild Ones Institute of Learning and Development).[4]
A quarterly publication called Wild Ones Journal is available for dues-paying members.
A New Member Handbook for native landscaping is in its 5th edition as of 2010; the 4th edition from 2004 is archived at the EPA.[5]
Chapter programs include plant rescues, plant sales, garden tours, seed gathering and exchanges, and various outdoor learning projects.[2]
The Lorrie Otto Seeds For Education Grant Program (SFE) provides grants to purchase native seeds and plants and develop outdoor learning centers for youth grades Preschool-12.[6]