Events

Annual Meeting and Election, 1 - 2:30 p.m. 
Elections will be held for the Chapter Board of Directors. Board members will then vote on who will fill each Chapter Officer position. 

All members are encouraged to participate! A list of open positions and a call for nominations will be sent by email prior to the meeting.

The agenda also includes updates on chapter finances, membership growth, and other 2026 activities, along with event planning for 2027.

Native Plant Seed Share, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Following the meeting, we will have a members-only seed swap from 2:30 - 3:30 with access to the chapter's seed library. Before this event we will publish a wish list of seed species sought to replenish the library.

Social Hour, 4 p.m.
After packing up by 4 p.m., join us for an optional social hour at Big Grove Brewery.

Planting native species is an important step toward creating habitat, but how can you tell what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus your efforts next?

Join Wild Ones and Wildr Places for The Habitat Check-up, a free webinar exploring a practical, science-informed approach to evaluating your home landscape. Presenter Zoe Evans will introduce five key areas to consider when assessing habitat and share how thoughtful observations can help guide your next steps.

Whether you’re just getting started with native plants or have been gardening for years, this webinar will help you look at your landscape through a new lens.

Join us for a Winter celebration with other native plant enthusiasts at The Green House, Iowa City's botanical-themed cocktail lounge. This  is a joint event hosted by Longfellow Native Plant Group, Northside Native Plant Group, Iowa Prairie Network, and Wild Ones Cedar Rapids Iowa City Chapter.

Everyone is welcome – from beginners to seasoned gardeners. Buy yourself a beverage and we’ll provide snacks, along with a demonstration of winter sowing techniques.

Winter sowing is a low-cost method for starting native plant seeds outdoors in “mini greenhouses” to provide the cold, moist conditions needed to break dormancy, and accelerate the seedlings’ springtime growth.

Feel free to bring a friend, pics of your winter sowing setup, and your tips, tricks, and questions related to growing your own native plants from seed.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.