Wild Ones Lexington Chapter promotes the use of native plants in private gardens and public landscapes.
Plants that are native to our region thrive here because they are adapted to our climate. They feed our local insects and sustain the higher order fauna of our region. Many native plants are stunningly beautiful and make great garden plants. In fact, gardening with natives is Nature’s way.
Wild Ones Has a New Meeting Location!
Meetings are now held at South Elkhorn Christian Church, 4343 Harrodsburg Rd, Lexington, KY 40513 unless event states otherwise. Our monthly meetings are on the first Thursday of the month, except for October when no meeting is scheduled. Our meetings are free to attend. From 6:30 to 7 PM is a social time with refreshments. Program starts at 7 PM. Join us!
The Garden Treasures Table at Wild Ones Meetings
Bring garden or nature-related items to the Garden Treasures table at chapter meetings. Items such as books on plants, birds, insects, butterflies, or clean pots, native plants or houseplants, seed packets, nature-themed art or crafts, and useful tools are welcome. Selected items may be taken in exchange for a cash donation to the chapter. If an item is not chosen, please take it with you when you leave.
Thursday August 6, 2026 6:30pm
Plants that Heal: An Ethnobotany View
Rob Paratley leads a fascinating discussion over the chemical actions of plants and fungi, describing how they protect themselves to enhance survival and how they benefit themselves and us. He will give a summary of herbal actions on what medicinal plants do to restore our balance and health.
Rob was a professor at the University of Kentucky for a number of years where he taught plant related courses such as Plant Taxonomy (classification of plants), Dendrology (the study of trees), Winter Dendrology, and Economic Botany. He also led a summer study abroad program to Costa Rica for 10 years teaching tropical ecology and related environmental issues for students studying Natural Resources.
Rob has been recognized for his teaching excellence and in 2018 received the UK Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Award. Rob loves teaching and is active in the programs offered through the Arboretum, Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, Lexington Tree Week, and other venues.
Thursday September 3, 2026 6:30pm
Entomologist Dr. Jonathan Larson on Good Bugs
From University of Kentucky Entomology Department, with his wit and passion Larson is joining us once again by diving into the world of insects to tell us about those bugs that are good in our urban landscape.
Saturday September 12, 2026 3:00 to 7:00pm
1st Annual Pawpaw Party Festival at Ironweed Nursery
Ironweed Nursery 400 Waddy Rd in Waddy KY 40076
$10 to park
Event cancelled if rain
Ironweed will present a Pawpaw Party Festival with workshops Natural History of the Pawpaw by Wysor Ecological Services, Native Plants & Rules & Ordinances by Beargrass Thunder, Food Forests by Clover Systems, Green Real Estate with Erin Hoagland of 85W group.
Other offerings: pawpaw ice cream, pawpaw baked goods, pawpaw fruit, pawpaw trees, Pawpaw Ale8, Brenneman & Bucks Farm & their food truck Farmcut Kitchen, textiles, native plant jellies, barn quilts, and more, plus musicians!
If you haven’t tasted a pawpaw, now is your chance!
October 9 -18, 2026
Tree Week Lexington
A community event with support from Wild Ones
No Wild Ones meeting is scheduled for October
Celebrate the trees throughout Lexington with friends and neighbors to grow a healthier community. Enjoy the trees and green spaces throughout our area by participating in tree plantings, walks, tours, hikes, educational programs, and more. Most of the events and programs are free and include all ages, interests, and abilities.
It’s a week-long celebration dedicated to enhancing and appreciating Lexington’s tree canopy, made possible by a range of groups and individuals throughout Fayette County. Tree Week Lexington is a community effort!
More info to come.
Looking to buy native plants, hire a landscape service? Please see the Community tab.
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