To preserve and protect
They are the tireless advocates, the dynamic vanguard and the often muddy, but happy people in the fields and in the trenches. They are the local Oak Openings Region chapter of the national Wild Ones organization. Their mission is to safeguard and promote native plant communities. Throughout the year, the group organizes and participates in invasive plant eradications, native garden installations (in parks, backyards, at schools and businesses) nature hikes, free seed and plant distributions, rescues and presentations. All activities (free and open to non-members) demonstrate and teach the importance of these naturally occurring and hardy plant species. Wild Ones emphasizes that natives are essential components in diverse, thriving and mutually beneficial ecosystems. These plants provide wildlife with food, shelter and nesting areas in exchange for pollination and seed dispersal. Waterways and the air are cleaned as plant parts filter and absorb all types of pollutants and release oxygen. Their deep, intertwined roots prohibit erosion and trade key nutrients with microorganisms to maintain healthy and fertile soils.
Nature up close
Wild Ones’ members are dedicated to one of their most meaningful activities —the transport and transplanting of doomed native plants from construction sites. President Stephanie Saba states, “I experience
the deepest gratification from plant rescues, arriving at a site of destruction, moving swiftly to transfer as many plants as possible to a nurturing safe place, giving them a second life while preserving our indigenous species.” Another favorite is the annual Native Garden Tour held in July. It is an opportunity to “walk among the brilliant colors, the intoxicating fragrances, the community of butterflies, bees, dragonflies, birds and other wild life swirling all around,” says Saba.
For membership, contact information and a calendar of events and outings, visit for-wild.org/chapters/toledo.
Perennial Plant Exchange
Don’t miss the Perennial Plant Exchange,
Saturday, May 14 (held at the Original
Sub Shop at 402 Broadway), where the incredibly
knowledgeable Wild Ones offer their
best advice and provide homeowners free native
plants that can easily be incorporated into
their existing landscape to improve their own
backyard ecosystem. Saba wants all gardeners
to know that many natives are low maintenance
and disease resistant. They also draw more
pollinators to your immediate area which can
result in higher vegetable garden yields.
