Upcoming Events

Grassland loss is one of the greatest conservation issues currently facing the Southeastern United States. Of the nearly 6,000 plant species native to the Southeast, 60% of these require or prefer grasslands. Despite this, grasslands across this region are being lost at an alarming rate. The Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) is an organization dedicated to studying, conserving, and restoring grasslands in the Southeastern United States. Alaina Krakowiak serves as SGI's Central Appalachian Grasslands Coordinator. In this presentation, she will discuss the history of grasslands in Virginia: what might these have looked like, and where would they have been found? She will also discuss the current state of Virginia's grasslands: what do we have left, and what is threatening them? Lastly, she will talk about what SGI is doing to restore grasslands, including some actions you can take at your own home.

Zoom Link:

Topic: Appalachian Highlands SE Grasslands Talk
Time: Feb 12, 2026, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/82964381488?pwd=b1SbEXfblLR2W3VYE298bFd2gUydOY.1

Meeting ID: 829 6438 1488
Passcode: .b9Ley

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Our upcoming webinar with Basil Camu explores practical, evidence based ways to heal suburban and urban landscapes by working with trees, soil, and natural systems, drawing on real world practices from Leaf & Limb and community centered models for restoring life where we live, work, and play.!  

THIS EVENT, ORIGINALLY SECHEDULED FOR JANUARY 24, 2026, WAS RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026, DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.  ALL DETAILS REMAIN THE SAME.

At 1:00 there will be a presentation in the Executive Auditorium entitled: The Plot Thickens! Solving the Mystery of How to Use Your Yard to Help the Environment! Join volunteers from Washington County Master Gardeners, Wild Ones of Appalachian Highlands, and Holston Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists to hear a success story about a small garden plot in the town of Abingdon that is already having a big impact on the environment. You'll hear about partners, processes, and plans for what's next. You'll also learn how you can make big differences in small ways to develop critical native habitats with your own plots at home.

Following the talk, the Seed Swap will begin.  Many local gardeners, organizations, and farms will have seeds to share. Feel free to bring your own seeds to swap with others, although this is not a requirement.  

This event is co-sponsored by Sustain Abingdon, Washington County Master Gardeners, and Wild Ones Appalachian Highlands.

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Executive Auditorium, Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA, 24210

Join Joey Santore, creator of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, for a candid Wild Ones National Webinar examining how inherited garden aesthetics shape native plant landscapes. Drawing on field experience and real ecology, Joey challenges tidy design norms and explores why dense, irregular plant communities are often the most resilient and ecologically sound.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!