Events

Our meeting will begin at 10 AM with informal socializing over coffee, tea and light refreshments.  Dr. Marra’s talk will begin at 11, followed by Q&A.  Bring your own reusable cup or mug to make our event more sustainable. 

Dr. Robert Marra, PhD,  has expertise in plant pathology, mycology, fungal genetics, population biology, evolution, and molecular biology but focuses on forest pathology in his work at CAES. His  presentation will discuss tree diseases that threaten New England forests, both urban and natural. These include: Bretziella (formerly Ceratocystis) fagacearum, the oak-wilt fungus that has caused widespread loss of oaks and is spreading northward, Xylella fastidiosa, which is responsible for bacterial leaf scorch on a variety of deciduous hosts, particularly oaks, Caliciopsis canker of pines, “white pine needle disease complex” and beech leaf disease.  In each case, he will discuss the symptoms, the means of dispersal and spread, and, if applicable, the prognosis for treatment.  
This event will be free and open to the public.  

This meeting is free and open to the public,  and registration is not required.   We hope you can join us and take advantage of the opportunity to forge new connections with native plant enthusiasts you may not know.

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Invasive plants threaten biodiversity and degrade habitats for native wildlife. Learn what makes invasives so harmful, how to identify many common species and methods that have been employed to control their spread during this active talk and walk around Coogan Farm with Wild Ones President and habitat restoration volunteer Lydia Pan. 

This program is free of charge and is offered in partnership with the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.

Meet at the Avery Conference Room at Coogan Farm.

Advance registration is required.

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

Our meeting will begin at 10 AM with an hour of social networking with the presentation by Ana Bermudez at 11 AM.

The presentation introduces participants to the fundamentals of northeast native orchid cultivation, including habitat requirements, propagation methods, and conservation principles.  Attendees will learn how to create and sustain orchid-friendly environments in their own landscapes.  

Instructor Ana Bermudez '25 is a botany major, environmental studies minor, and scholar in the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment. Originally from Miami, Florida, Ana has worked with tropical orchids at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s micropropagation laboratory where she researched native lady’s slipper orchids (Cypripedium spp.). Using this knowledge, Ana has been creating a native orchid demonstration garden at the Connecticut College Arboretum.

Registration required.   COST: $10 (general public) or FREE for current members of the Connecticut College Arboretum or Wild Ones. 

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

Details coming soon! 

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

Details coming soon! 

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.

Details coming soon! 

All members are welcome at chapter Board business meetings. Email chapter in advance to receive Zoom link if you wish to attend.