Wild Ones Central Wisconsin August Leadership Meeting

August 19th 2024

5pm

Location TBD hybrid with Zoom

1. Welcome, introductions and check in

                Attending: Pete Arntsen, Jenna Tuma, Amberle Schwartz

2. Garden champions reports

3. Planning for the remainder of the year (at least one of these could be a collaboration with Growing Collective and NCCT for a seed harvesting workshop)

1. September 4th

                Using technology in plant identification and invasive species reporting.

                Learn to use iNaturalist, seek ap, EddMaps, and useful websites. Encourage to download apps prior to meeting. Will check with Jill to reserve Lincoln Center if possible.

2. October 2nd

                Seed harvesting workshop, how and when to harvest, store, and plant your native seeds and understanding germination codes for successful growing!

3. November 6th (Do we want to reschedule this?)

Move date to November 13th and meeting start at 5pm

1. Officer Elections, Seed Swap and Potluck
2. Location? Lincoln Center?

4. Choose Pollinator Pack Winners

1. Already chosen and communicated with on Aug 10
2. Would like them to be picked up at Sept meeting, or can coordinate directly with Kate if can't make it to that
3. Will pick up from greenhouse by end of month

Pete will pick up plants from Generation Nursery

5. Lupine Replacement Program updates

1. Saturday August 24th at the Farmers Market downtown Stevens Point
2. Should we buy more plants or plant vouchers ahead of that?

6. Science by the River, Saturday, October 5th, 11am-2pm Add to Newsletter

What is Science by the River?

Science by the River is a celebration of all things science and outdoors. This free, one-day, outdoor event gives attendees of all ages an opportunity to connect to the Wisconsin River and science and technology opportunities.

What is the role of a discovery station host?

Discovery stations are the focus of this event. Stations are set up along the two-mile paved riverfront trail route from the WI Rapids Downtown Farmer's Market to Ben Hansen Park. Attendees will enjoy the beautiful walking trail while stopping and visiting with each station. Hosts will have the opportunity to share information (mission, goals, etc) about their organization/club to a diverse audience and educate the audience about what your group does.

To participate in Science by the River we need to fill out a google form by September 13th

7. Paul Olsen Wildlife Area looking for collaboration on a Habitat Day

1. Pulling and brushwork on invasive
2. Contact name: Bill, Prairie Chicken Fund

Decided for Wild Ones not to collaborate since this isn’t really what Wild Ones is about, but will post about it to spread the word and in case members are interested in helping with this.

8. Prioritize which gardens we keep as Wild Ones Gardens

1. (put a * after each one you think we should keep)

1. Pfiffner Shoreline Planting*****
2. Patch Street Prairie****
3. Schmeeckle Reserve**
4. McDill Elementary
5. Madison Elementary
6. Chain O Lakes Elementary*
7. Plover Library****
8. Mead Wildlife Area
9. Farmshed**
10. Veterans Park****

9.  Questionnaire

What do members want to learn about? Ex.: Native shrubs and trees, pollinators, bees, effect of pesticides/herbicides/fungicides on pollinators, native shade plants, how to get started (Main headquarters is working on videos for this!), host plants for butterflies, invasive plants, how to create a native plant raised garden bed,  how to use the online Wisconsin Herbarium website, etc.

Jenna can create an initial draft of a questionnaire and send it to the board for edits and approval. Goal to send to membership in October with newsletter and again with November meeting reminder.

jatuma533@gmail.com - I added this a while ago when National introduced a questionnaire template. This may be a good starting point! - KG https://members.wildones.org/chapter-guides/new-chapter-member-getting-to-know-you-questionnaire/