Talk Nov. 10 on the little-known science agency that helps preserve state’s biodiversity The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has been the state’s natural heritage program since 1980. Mike Monfils, the MNFI director, will provide an overview of MNFI and describe the many ways it helps guide the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity. A state lab […] Continue reading "The Most Important State Agency You’ve Never Heard Of"
Container Gardening Workshop Aug. 12 Everyone is welcome to sign up for WOK’s native container gardening workshop, set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Marcia’s house in Houghton. WOK will provide potting mix and plain, plastic one-gallon pots. You can BYO container if you like; just don’t bring huge, tree-sized ones, please. Insulated, unbreakable […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, July 2026"
WOK’s First Bird City Garden Installed Canterbury House Episcopal Campus Ministry, in Houghton, has become the first recipient to install one of WOK’s five giveaway gardens. They chose a perfect garden spot, directly underneath their sign, so passing traffic and pedestrians will be able to enjoy the native plants. Ian Klein, left, who handles maintenance […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, June 2026"
Earliest ever Spring Plant Sale WOK is happy to announce our first plant sale of the year. Thanks to nice, beefy seedlings provided by Brian Black of Bay College, it’s also our earliest sale ever. Sixteen different species are available, including three asclepias species–butterfly weed, common milkweed, and red milkweed–plus little bluestem and purple coneflower. […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, May 2026"
Native garden giveaway entices wanna-be gardeners Keweenaw Wild Ones’ native garden giveaway has already attracted more than 40 applicants and climbing. The contest was established in honor of Houghton’s successful effort to become a Bird City. Winners will be announced by June 1, 2026. Recipients will receive The application deadline is May 15. There’s still […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, April 2026"
Have you been dreaming about starting a native garden? Now’s a great opportunity to take the plunge. In honor of Houghton’s, effort to become the first Bird City in the Upper Peninsula, the Wild Ones Keweenaw Chapter will be giving away a limited number of native plant gardens to area residents. Houghton gardeners will have […] Continue reading "Win a free native garden!"
Metamorphosis at Kestner Park Wild One Craig Waddell reported on the history of Wild Ones’ garden at Kestner Waterfront Park, from its beginnings as an industrial site, to its transformation into a native demonstration garden, to its future, with a restored watershed and expanded plantings. Thanks to all the many volunteers who have helped create […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, March 2026"
Plant Talk and Coffee Eight Wild Ones, including photographer Sheri Hagwood, got together Feb. 28 at 5th and Elm to enjoy each other’s company and talk about our favorite subject: plants. Everyone had a great time, but if you couldn’t make it, no worries. Another plant talk is being planned for March, probably in Calumet. […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, February 2026"
The secret to a great garden is great soil. In this second in a three-part series, Dr. Ken Farrish digs into soil chemistry and assures us that you don’t need to be a science major to better understand what’s happening under foot. Here are the details: This event is a follow-up to Farrish’s popular October […] Continue reading "Growing a better garden from the ground up, part 2"
Wild Ones Project Earns WAM Grant The Wildflower Association of Michigan (WAM) has awarded a $525 grant to the Hancock Trails Club to install natives at its new bike park, located adjacent to the Maasto Hiito trail system off of M-203. The project is spearheaded by WOK board member Roz Heidke. In cooperation with the […] Continue reading "What’s Up with WOK, January 2026"