Wild Ones Madison Events

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes

Attendees: Jeff Steele, Athena Salzer, Laurie Yahr, Erin Lemley ,Megan Saucke, Kate Engler, and Amanda LangerAgenda

Call to Order (order called!)

Approval of December Minutes (approved and seconded)

Financial Report (Erin finished chapter report)

Current balance: $5,692.54 in out account 

Outstanding Receipts & Checks - (None, but $250 donation check too!)

Approval for funds: printing costs for Expo ($400 approved and seconded)

Membership Report

Active Members: 210 members

Since the last meeting: 17 membership renewals (7 expired)

Wild Ones tended spaces need work dates for calendar DCHS (4th Saturday of the month 9am-11am starting in April per Erin)DMNA prairie (TBD)Lakeview library (TBD)Old BusinessNative planting shorelines for Friends of Lake Kegonsa (FOLK)Chapter name change? (tabled to next meeting)New BusinessPlanning Committee updates:Jeff’s presentation January 30, 5:30pm at Harmony Bar good to go! (Jeff to have a resource sheet w/ QR code in presentation, does Harmony have WiFi?, Amy to bring project and sheet, Jeff to have presentation via Google Slides)Garden Expo February 7-9

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17fAuWkloIL2-IRiaTrja8BSOvKhLcmTdSwg_bA1Msos/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Cost for printing: 2025 schedule, plant lists, business cards?

Currently need 20 1-day passes, 2 2-day passes, 1 3-day - OK for chapter to purchase additional?

Could use 1 or 2 more vols Saturday evening (Laurie will be available)

Plan Your Pollinator Garden February 22, double meeting room at Pinney Branch library reserved, volunteer updateUrban Canid Project tentative March 11 at 5:30, Lakeview library, good to go!Waffle-palooza to happen Earth Day Weekend (April 19th)Other updates:“Leave the Leaves” committee updates?End of year reporting: SOCR completed and submitted - thanks for your help!!Action Items: Next Meeting  - Date: February 20, 2025 via Zoom

Join Wild Ones-Madison as Jeff Steele shares his experiences botanizing on two wheels along southern Wisconsin’s incredible trail network. Jeff will discuss his favorite natural areas, how to get there via bicycle, what plants and animals one may expect to find, and bicycle camping options along the way. Those that attend this presentation will learn how to utilize available online resources to develop their own unique route. Jeff will also share sample itineraries for those that would like ideas for their next botany bicycle adventure.

Monthly board meeting minutes:

Attendees: Frank Hassler, Athena Salzer plus her mini me, Amy Yoccum, Jeff Steele, Amanda Langer, and Megan SauckeAbsent: Laurie Y., Erin L., Kate E. Agenda

Call to Order 

Approval of January Minutes (minutes approved and seconded)

Financial Report 

Current balance: $5,927.94

Outstanding Receipts & Checks - Printing cost for Expo $283.00

Approval for funds: 

Board and chairs to get Wild Ones T-shirts?

Cover cost of DCHS plants approval - 12 plant sets?

Motion to approve up to $200 for the Human Society Plant Dane program (approved and seconded)

Possible purchase for Lakeview Library (one 16 plant kit?)

Motion to approve up to $44 for the Lakeview Library Plant Dane program (approved and seconded)

Per county website: 

Individual Plant Species (4-Pack) - $12.00 ($3.00/plant)Plant Kit w/ 16 Plants - $44 ($2.75/plant)Plant Kit w/ 32 Plants - $88 ($2.75/plant)Membership Report

Active Members: 208

Since the last meeting: 7 new, 17 expired, 22 renewed

Wild Ones tended spaces need work dates for calendar DCHS (“Purcell's Pollinator Paradise”)  scheduledDMNA prairie Lakeview library Wed 10-12 and/or Saturdays 9-11Old BusinessChapter name change? Tabled to March. Board members to come prepared with their favorite ideas for a potential chapter name change. Ideas will be compiled into a poll to potentially be sent to our membership to advise next stepsNew Business

Planning Committee updates:

Jeff’s presentation “Botanizing by Bicycle” at Harmony Bar was a fantastic success! Need to share slides - how to do this? Jeff to share slides with Athena to put on the websiteGarden Expo review - Amy is gathering feedback from volunteers - will schedule meeting to discuss more effective tabling activities and displays Amy would like to see more volunteers at tabling events. Plan Your Pollinator Garden February 22 cancelled - note for next year to NOT schedule additional February events!Urban Canid Project Kate to work on FB post, Amy to submit to IsthmusWaffle-palooza to happen Earth Day Weekend (April 19th) Hoyt ParkFriends of Lake Kegonsa event April 26 table (Amy to reach out to Garden Expo volunteers for help)Warner Park F.U.N. event April 27 table (Amy to reach out to Garden Expo volunteers for help)Frank to share details about his native plant walks this year…Native Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources March 16, 2-4 pm - ongoing collaboration between Wild Ones and Dane Co

“Leave the Leaves” committee updates (Draft for the city waterways newsletter. Still deciding on details like photos. Helping revise city’s webpages on leaving the leaves.)

Other items?

Oregon Nature Alliance-they are interested in being absorbed by WO-Madison. Amy and Athena met with ONA (Theresa) and WO Nat’l. Theresa would be the Oregon liaison, but WO-Madison would provide funding. 

Action Items: 

Adjourned and seconded!

Next Meeting  - Date: March 20, 2025 via Zoom

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Wild Ones presents: Urban Foxes and Coyotes

When: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 pm - 7:00pm

Where: Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Avenue

As we seek to restore habitat with less lawn and more native plantings, we rejoice in the return of the insects and animals that so desperately need these spaces. Butterflies, bumblebees, and…coyotes?

Join us along with Dr. David Drake, who heads up the UW Urban Canid Project, to learn more about how foxes and coyotes use the urban landscape and how their life histories and behaviors change as a result of their interactions with humans. The UWUCP aims to better understand these urban adapters so that citizens and wildlife managers alike can be more proactive in how they respond to these animals.

Tuesday, March 18th, 6-7:30pm Skunk Cabbage, The Harbinger of Spring at the UW Arboretum On this walk we will learn about the unique biology and ecology of Wisconsin’s earliest-blooming, and perhaps most unique wildflower. Along the way we’ll look for other early signs of spring. Meet at the Wingra Springs Parking Lot, on top of the hill, south of the Arboretum's main Visitors Center.

Monthly board meeting:

Attendees: Amy Yocum, Athena Salzer, Amanda Langer, Erin Lemley, Megan Saucke, Laurie YahrAbsent: Jeff SteeleAgenda

Call to Order 

Approval of February Minutes Athena motions to approve, Amanda seconds

Financial Report 

Current balance: $5,690.64

Outstanding Receipts & Checks - Amy will follow up with Dr. Drake (Canid Project) about offering $50 honorarium or membership

Approval for funds: 

Board and chairs to get Wild Ones T-shirts?

Athena to get quote for having a Wild Ones screen made for screen printing our own shirts. 

No one cares enough to motion for t-shirt spending on buying them through Wild Ones national. Will table for later in case board members not present want one. 

Cover cost of DCHS plants approval - $36.00

Purchase for Lakeview Library - $63.30

Purchase printed tablecloth for events - Imprint will give us one like this for free; Amy filled out the non profit application: https://www.4imprint.com/product/102690-8/Hemmed-Table-Skirt-8

Membership Report

Active Members: 207

Since the last meeting:  7 new,  16 expired,  26 renewed

4 of the 7 new members listed FB as referral source

Old BusinessChapter name change follow up.Amy had mentioned it in an email to membership, and didn’t get response. Amy will follow up to try and solicit feedback. New Business

Planning Committee updates:

Urban Canid Project Great turnout, Dr. Drake would like to collab more with Wild Ones. This has been entered on the Events page, national.Wildflower walks - Skunk Cabbage was great, 11 people in attendance! This is entered on the Events page. 

Plan for advertising remaining walks? Athena recommended making flyer a JPEG and sharing to group to announce entire series. Then also put that flyer in each individual FB Event. 

Earth Day Celebration and Wildflower Walk  Earth Day Weekend (April 19th) Hoyt Park: Vols include Athena, Amy, Michele (new member), Frank to lead walkAthena to email back and confirm their desired start time since they’d like to do the garlic mustard pull as well. 

Plan for advertising? Athena will make the FB event and share

Friends of Lake Kegonsa event April 26 table - met with FOLK at the Native plant hub, they are excited for us tabling. Amy is working on securing a member or two to table for us. Warner Park F.U.N. event April 27 table - no vols yetNative Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources March 16, 2-4 pm - went very well! This will be monthly so we’ll need ongoing design and table volunteers

-Next Hub event Sun 4/27, although details unclear. Athena and/or Amy to follow up about that and get more details. 

“Leave the Leaves” committee update from Megan

-visuals are being made, working on a longer version that can be shared for people who want to learn more. Megan reached out to Andrea Fisher from West Cook Wild Ones to discuss the Advocacy Chair position and work they’re doing. 

Other items

We need a membership chair. Work on recruiting someone to help us do more. 

Athena moves to adjourn. Amanda seconds. 

Next Meeting  - Date: April 17, 2025 via Zoom unless weather is awesome

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Register for this guided tour of the Agrecol greenhouse, one of the largest native plant nurseries in the state of Wisconsin. Agrecol’s greenhouse manager, Jamie Rebout, will lead the group throughout the greenhouse, highlighting the different daily processes necessary for a busy greenhouse to operate. This includes: seed starting, transplanting, watering, culling, cutbacks, order pulling, and order fulfillment. The group will also get an up-close look at their extensive plant inventory of over 150 native local ecotype species. 

Details: 

Date: 3/28/2025
Time: 2:00-4:00pm

Registration is required for this Wild Ones-Madison member only event and limited to 20 members.

Find toothworts, trout lilies, bloodroot, spring beauties and many other little white blossoms in the woodland on the Mendota Mental Health Institute grounds. Meet on the Health Institute Grounds, along the road near 3518 Memorial Drive. This hike is free and open to the public. Wear clothing appropriate for walking on and off trails in naturals areas, such as sturdy boots/shoes and long pants, and be dressed to be out in the weather for up to 2 hours. Ticks or mosquitos may be present, so take precautions as you see fit. In case of bad weather, spring walks will be rescheduled for 2 days later, on Thursday at the same time and place.

Monthly board meeting

Join us as Wild Ones and the Friends of Hoyt Park team up to celebrate Earth Day in Madison on Saturday April, 19th, 2025. We'll have snacks (including hot waffles!) and socializing in the shelter next to a fire and partake in a short hike to observe some of the early spring flora at the park.

Join us for a joyful celebration of the season at the Milwaukee Public Market's very first Festival of Flowers, taking place Saturday, May 3 from 11am to 3pm at Riverwalk Commons, right across from the Milwaukee Public Market.

Wild Ones National Board Secretary Jermey Rappaport will present on how people can help support a healthy planet by transitioning away from traditional lawns and gardens to more sustainable alternatives featuring native plants. 

This free, family-friendly event is bursting with color, fragrance, and fun! Explore a vibrant flower market featuring locally grown blooms and botanicals perfect for brightening your home or garden. Enjoy live music from local artists as you wander, shop, and relax along the riverfront.

Bring the whole family- there’s something for everyone! From interactive activities for kids to garden-inspired crafts, the Festival of Flowers is designed to delight visitors of all ages. Grown-ups can savor seasonal beverages, while everyone can dig into a variety of tasty eats from local food vendors.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a fresh way to spend your Saturday, the Festival of Flowers is the perfect spring outing.

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes

May 15, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Attendees: Absent: AgendaCall to Order Approval of March Minutes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o_WLz-ogecbEUtLQkPfm0DhYp7WCjsIoSig_0d7jNmI/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.pmazbh81wixzFinancial Report 

Current balance: 

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? 

Any approval for funds needed? 

Table runner options/costs?

Membership Report

Active Members:  212

Since the last meeting:  2 new,  6 expired,  10 renewed

Referral sources: word of mouth

Old Business New Business

“Leave the Leaves” committee: Yard sign update?

Planning Committee Events:

Wildflower walks - any updates to record on National Events trackerEarth Day Celebration and Wildflower Walk  Earth Day Weekend  - great turnout and a fun morning! Friends of Lake Kegonsa feedbackWarner Park F.U.N. feedbackNative Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources  -  Next Hub event this Sunday 5.17, 2-4pm Meagan and Amy tabling, anyone available for design consulting?

Other items

Madison Mycological Society responded to Athena about a mushroom walk. Details to follow!

Next Meeting  - Date: June 19, 2025 

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes and agenda

June 19, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Zoom 3 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Madison Board Meeting

Time: Jun 19, 2025 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/83189943641?pwd=xheZkOQrDOugE3TZhNbta47aOzrMBt.1

Meeting ID: 831 8994 3641

Passcode: i2JYi$

Attendees: Jeff Steele, Athena Salzer, Amy Yoccum, Lauren Weitkamp, Robin Craig, Liza Loza, Megan Sauke, and Erin LemleyAbsent: Amanda Langer, Laurie YahrAgendaCall to Order (order called!) Approval of May Minutes (minutes approved)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sqf-ZWkjoUoqUFSgVS2D3NBLIG-uY2ezbnjA9eSGDvw/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2gazcsgmxkub

Financial Report - *TBD Erin had difficulty getting info during meeting*

Current balance: 

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? 

Any approval for funds needed? 

Neighborhood House for October potluck deposit ($100 motion for funds approved and seconded)Table runner options/costs follow upMembership Report (to be taken over by Lauren and Liza next month!)

Active Members:  221

Since the last meeting:  13 new,  11 expired,  15 renewed (3 of the expired)

Referral sources: word of mouth/browsing/chapter website, FB groups, another native plant organization

Old BusinessYard sign for “Leave the Leaves” update? (no updates and this time, Megan is waiting for a draft)New Business

“Leave the Leaves” committee

Membership team: Robin, Liza, Lauren and Amy met to discuss ideas to enhance our membership.

Some thoughts:

Membership surveySnail mail welcome packet with card from the boardList of neighborhood liaisons and Friends of City ParksMentor roles for new members to partner with seasoned members for tabling events

Megan is also working on combining power points so we can develop a “presentation team” of members who can speak to community groups

Upcoming  Events:

Wildflower Field Days feedback on the first one (next one is Military Ridge in July)Plant Your Own Porch Prairie  SoWBA sponsored event 6.25.25Plant ID Workshop with Micah and Kevin, 6.29.25 (full)Native Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources  - 7.13.25, 1-4 pm, will be part of the Environmental Fun Fair *volunteers needed*Plant Sale with SOS 8.18-9.5 with pick up date on 9.12 *volunteers for pick up date*Butterfly Action Day at Olbrich 8.1.25 *volunteers*  table and kid activity? (Seed bombs?, 10am-2pm)Wild Ones tended spaces - thoughts on volunteer recruitment?

Other items

Madison Mycological Society - any news? (no news…maybe ask in Sept?)

Next Meeting  - Date: July 17, 2025 

Motion to adjourn and seconded at 6:15pm

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes

July 17, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Zoom 3 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Madison Board Meeting July

Time: Jul 17, 2025 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/85343499359?pwd=YGVd8MOi0Es7Ya99xwSBeMHTHuWXMy.1

Meeting ID: 853 4349 9359

Passcode: 8wz+HH

Meeting ID: 853 4349 9359

Attendees: Amy Yoccum, Athena Salzer, Maggie, Robin Craig, Liza Loza, Laurie Yahr, Lauren WeitkampAbsent: Amanda Langer, Erin Lemley, Megan, and Frank HasslerAgendaCall to Order (order called!)Approval of June Minutes (minutes approved and seconded)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e9gKP24fGA8gGvdw7ZUC2vGYBXuKXJEQ3-UsxdfmF_w/edit?usp=sharing

Financial Report - 

Current balance: $7176.64

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? None reported

Any approval for funds needed?  

ALNC rental $150 done today

Seed ball matrix for Butterfly Action Days ($50 or less approved for seed ball matrix and seconded)

Membership Report 

Active Members:  222

Since the last meeting:  1 new,  4 expired,  11 renewed (1 of the expired)

Referral source: Other - Google 

“Leave the Leaves” committee updates (Megan) (all feedback on current design is positive)

Old BusinessNew Business

Sue Kenny: Sauk City Prairie long term planning (Sue would like assistance with social media to promote the Sauk City Prairie and long-term planning. Also looking for information on prairie maintenance/finances) Connect with Mike Carlson @ Gathering Waters

Oregon Nature Alliance meeting 7.16.25 (Amy and Athena met with Theresa w/ Oregon Nature Alliance and Debbie and Lisa who are chapter liaisons with Nat’l. Oregon wants to become a chapter hub to share resources and insurance. Interested in funds/fundraising. It was discussed that ONA would use same bank but ONA would have separate account and budget, branding, mailing list, etc. Questions still remain regarding financial allocation to ONA. Nat’l creating a policy for chapter “hubs” at the moment and will keep WO-Mad apprised. 

Membership team: 

Lauren: new list with neighborhood liaisons! 

Upcoming  Events:

Wildflower Field Days Plant ID Workshop with Micah and Kevin (went very well!, 17 people total (helped having a smaller group), discussed basic botany skills and how to use a key, could potentially charge in the future)Native Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources  - 7.13.25, Excellent turnout!  Next Hub in September.Plant Sale with SOS 8.18-9.5 with pick up date on 9.12 , Kate working on promo flyer (sale to open on 8/01)Butterfly Action Day at Olbrich 8.1.25 Sue Scott and Amy to table (10am-2pm)Jumping worms talk? (TBD)August Ice Cream Social (Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Board meeting to occur at 5:30pm beforehand)

Other items

Motion to adjourn and seconded at 6:22pm

Next Meeting  - Date: August 21, 2025 prior to Ice Cream Social

​

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

ild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes

August 12, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Attendees: Lauren, Athena Salzer, Amy Yocum, Jeff Steele, Frank Hassler, Laurie Yahr, Megan Saucke, Erin Lemley Absent: Liza Losa, Robin CraigAgendaCall to Order (order called!)Approval of July Minutes Financial Report - Erin to get back to us

Current balance: 

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? 

Any approval for funds needed?  

Metal edging for signs? Motion to approve $100 for DMA prairie and seconded. Athena to set up PayPal account 

Motion to approve $550 for leave the leaves yard signs and seconded. 

Membership Report 

Active Members:  223

Since the last meeting:  6 new,  7 expired,  7 renewed 

Referral sources: Reddit, Dane County Native Plant Gardening Hub, word of mouth (Erin Lemley, Bob Kellerman) Facebook (3) 

Old BusinessSign giveaway for “Leave the Leaves” - printing budget and logistics ($10 each to print. $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. $10 pricing is for x100 signs. Megan to check to see what the cost is for <100. Megan to email Erin regarding artist info for payment. Artist will also receive a complementary membership.)Oregon Nature Alliance (Community Hub guidance from National available)New Business

Upcoming  Events:

Wildflower Field Days feedback? weather was wishy washy. Length and commitment questionable? Native Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources  - September 21, focus on Rain Gardens/storm water management/Leave the Leaves as well as seed collection - we will need 4 design volunteers (Robin, Frank?)Plant Sale with SOS 8.1-9.5 with pick up date on 9.12  - anyone able to help sort plants on 9.11 or distribute on 9.12? (Athens plans to be there and Amy to be there noon-4. Megan may take off work and be there?)Elections

 Sept 1 - request for nominations (1 month to nominate ppl)

Oct 1. - open nominations end and deadline to notify nominees, ballots sent out before Annual Meeting

Oct. 14 or later - Annual meeting - last chance to vote and final ballot count

Other items

“Crime Pays but Botany Doesn’t” Joey Santore is doing a “Kill Your Lawn Midwest Tour” - f/u needed? (Possibility Place on 9/11…sept 17th or 18th. Motion to approve $800 for Joey with a stipulation to find a venue prior to 9/1.)

Renaming chapter - this was tabled from earlier this year. Do we want to proceed? (No? Name change might be a hassle)

Athena to meet with National on Monday.

Next Meeting  - Date: September 18

Adjourned and seconded at 6:39pm, Ice Cream social followed board meeting

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting minutes

September 18, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Attendees: Amy Yocum, Athena Salzer, Robin Craig, Kelly Osborn, Erin LemleyAbsent: Liza, Lauren, Laurie, Jeff, FrankAgendaCall to Order Approval of August Minutes Athena motions, Erin seconds Financial Report - 

Current balance: $5,465.61

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? $397.70, waiting on SOS check prior to deposit

Any approval for funds needed?  

Total for “Leave the Leaves” signs: $995.00 paid

Erin motions to increase payment to $250 total for artist Sarah Krajewski for her work on the additional graphic for the Leave the Leaves campaign. Megan seconds. Motion passes. 

Membership Report 

Active Members:  226

Since the last meeting:  7 new,  5 expired,  4 renewed 

Referral sources: Facebook (3), Reddit, member (Megan!), word of mouth, was a member in the 1990's but let it expire

Old BusinessUpdate: Leave the Leaves signs process for ordering, amount sold so far~36 sold so far Update: SOS Plant Sale: 50% more plants sold this yearDiscussion on whether or not we continue the sale in 2026, or possibly do a sale in a different form. Noted that for this event and others that we need to figure out a better way to reach more people outside of Facebook and email. New Business

Upcoming  Events:

Native Plant Learning Hub collaboration with Dane County Land & Water Resources  - coming up this Sunday 9.21Elections - any updates?

Oct 1. - open nominations end and deadline to notify nominees, ballots sent out before Annual Meeting

Oct. 14 or later - Annual meeting - last chance to vote and final ballot count

Kelly Osborn was in attendance and has nominated herself to be Chapter President. She gave us an intro to who she is and why she’s interested in running for the board. Founded a wildlife rehab non-profit, Wisconsin Wildcares. Discussed her role in that and her love for native plants.

Other items

Athena: met with National to discuss possible payment of Expo table.Athena got us registered for a 3rd booth, and the invoice has been forwarded to national to pay it!Sarah Savage (Tend Native Plants) is ready to help organize our Google photo drive and would like to know how we want things arranged. Thoughts?Athena plans to update the website this winterBoard member biosChapter projectsCall for volunteers - Amy will organize a meeting for membership chairs Next Meeting  - Date: 10.16.25  October Fall Potluck at Neighborhood House Community Center, 29 S. Mills Street 

​Erin moves to adjourn, Megan seconds. Meeting adjourned.

Discover how ecological landscaping with native plants can make your landscape more resilient and help address the climate crisis. This webinar will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to designing and maintaining landscapes that build resilience to climate change and support native biodiversity. Join Wild Ones for a free webinar, “EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis,” featuring environmental horticulturalist and ecological landscape designer Kim Eierman.

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting agenda

October 16, 2025 6:30pm-7:30pm

Attendees: Liza Loza, Jeff Steele, Athena Salzer, Amy Yocum, Tom Tharald, Jane A. Smith, Kirk Elliott,Rich Kahl & Laurie Yahr, Megan Saucke, Carol Hollar-Zwick, Kelly Osborn, Sarah Krajewski, Robin Craig, Erin Lemley, Lauren Weitkamp, Genie Notestein, Rose Ann ScottAbsent: AgendaCall to Order (order called)Approval of September Minutes (approved and seconded)Financial Report - 

Current balance: $6,701

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? (Robin has not deposited edging check)

Any approval for funds needed?  (Erin to buy stamps!)

“Leave the Leaves” signs: (Athena to deposit cash and text Erin a copy of the receipt)

Set up a future annual budget?

Membership Report 

Active Members:  233

Since the last meeting:  10 new, 4 expired, 11 renewed 

Referral sources: Plant sale yard sign, Word of Mouth, Wild Ones website, Wild Ones mailing list (2), Facebook, Member (Athena), UW Arboretum and Dane County Parks staff

Old BusinessLeave the Leaves signs  - how did we do? Thoughts for next year? (80/100 given out. update to the Google form for reprinting? Late summer/early fall 2026 for reordering. Made about $300) Board meeting and Seed Swap November 20 at Goodman CenterNative Plant Learning Hub December 7th at Lussier Family Heritage Center, winter sowing and seed swap New Business

Expo coming in February: Our chapter will have 3 tables courtesy of Wild Ones National, so lots of volunteer opportunities!

Planning Committee for 2026 to start meeting in December - please consider participating! (open to all members. Meetings are typically via zoom. Seed for Education)

Election results! (Amy stepping down as president and Kelly won election as new president. Athena is VP, Erin is Treasurer, and Jeff is Secretary)

Liza to coordinate yard tours in 2026!

Addendum 11/20/25 AMS: We forgot to do a Year in Review at our annual meeting, so Amy sent out and email with that info. Her email copy is below: 

“Greetings Wild Ones!

Happy November to you all!

Thank you to those who were able to attend our potluck and annual meeting last month! I’m excited to see Wild Ones take off even further with our new president Kelly Osborn at the helm, supported by the incumbent board members Athena, Erin, and Jeff, and the rest of our amazing board members.

For those of you who couldn’t be there, here is a quick recap of our chapter status. 

We currently have 239 active members with an annual retention rate of a smidge over 70%, which is fantastic! Financially, we have $6,701.00 in the bank. The sales for the “Leave the Leaves” signs were awesome – we had 100 printed and have sold 80 already!

It’s hard to recap all the great events that took place over this past year. I am excited that our collaboration efforts with Dane County Land and Water Resources resulted in some very well-attended Native Plant Learning Hubs. We are looking to do this again in 2026 so stay tuned! 

Other popular Wild Ones events were Frank’s Wildflower Walks, the Plant Identification workshop, and the Urban Canid Project presentation (way back in March). The Wild Ones tended spaces at Dane County Humane Society, Lakeview Library, and the DMNA Prairie are growing beautifully, thanks to the efforts of Robin, Christine, and Erin along with some great volunteers!

Additionally, membership chair Liza Loza will be our new “Yard and Garden Tour” chair, so start thinking about sharing your hard work with the rest of our members! Whether you’re just starting with a small patch or patio garden, or if you’ve fully converted your space, we can always learn from each other!

So what’s ahead? We have our Seed Swap coming up on November 20th at 6:30 – you’re welcome to come early for the board meeting! We are still looking for a couple of volunteers for the December 7th Native Plant Learning Hub, so let me know if you’re interested!

Last but not least, we will begin our Planning Committee meetings in early December, so if you have ideas about what Wild Ones could offer in 2026, please make your voice heard!

As always, I can’t say enough about how much I have learned and grown from being a part of this wonderful community. Thank you to each of you!!

Enjoy this lovely fall!

~Amy”

Next Meeting Date: 11.20.25  meeting at 5:30 followed by our seed swap at Goodman Center 

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. 

Expand your species list or share extra seed of native plants. Come to our seed exchange! Bring seed or seedheads of native species to share. Please keep each species you have in a separate bag - labeled with its name, and ideally the location and when it was collected. Reminder: it is generally prohibited to collect seed on any state, county or city property without a permit. Envelopes and paper lunch bags are handy for storing seed. Bring a couple along if you want to take only portions of want will be available. Wild Ones board members will be on site to help discuss plant suitability or answer any other questions you have! *Native species ONLY please. Please do not bring seed of cultivars or non-native plants. 

Discover the power of ecological garden design in this free national webinar, Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard, with award-winning landscape designer Larry Weaner. Join us for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of controlling it. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Larry will share practical strategies for designing dynamic gardens that evolve naturally, support biodiversity, and bring lasting beauty to your yard.

Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.

Wild Ones - Madison Chapter 

Monthly Board Meeting agenda

December 18, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm

Zoom 3 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Planning and Board Meeting, Madison

Time: Dec 18, 2025 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/81931837210?pwd=JKxaGWONGgarGsgbVcetMd7TT3NXUu.1

Attendees: Amy Yocum, Athena Salzer, Frank Hassler, Jeff Steele, Megan Sauke, Erin Lemley, Liza Loza, Kelly Osborn, Robin Craig, Kelly OsbornAgendaCall to Order (order called!)Approval of November minutes (minutes approved and seconded) Financial Report - 

Current balance: $7,005.37

Erin has voiced concern that she may not have enough time in the future for the Treasurer duties given changes to monthly reconciliation reporting vs quarterly reporting and an online based system. It is currently a spreadsheet.

Outstanding Receipts & Checks? 

Donation check for $250 received today; Amy to deposit by Saturday 12.20.25. Thank you card can be sent to Eva Deck, 4728 Regent Street, b Madison 53705. (Liza to send out thank you card for the donation)Follow up -  W-9 back from Sarah for sign art? NoFollow up - Need to figure out a good way to track Paypal money coming in. Creating an SOP seems needed. Tabled

Annual budget recommendations for FY 2026

Line items from 2025

Postage $15 (potential ticket pick up in the future?)Room rentals $786Printing $283Plants from Dane Co $160Leave the Leaves signs $995Sign design $250Misc supplies $30Speaker fees $0Advertising $0Membership Report 

Active Members: 242 (potential accountant in this member pool?)

Since the last meeting:  3 new, 4 expired, 6 renewed 

Referral sources: Facebook

Old BusinessThank you card to Judy Cardin? (Liza has not done yet, but will this weekend)Letter writing campaign to UW Horticulture department promoting non-native plants? (Or a statement from Wild Ones?)New Business

Planning Committee  2026 updates

Jeff Steele to reach out to Harmony bar about dates for his Botany Bike presentation 

Invasive/native replacement program?

Other Notes:

State of Chapter report due end of January - Amy will work on this over the holiday break (with Kelly)

Next Meeting Date: 1.15.26