Events

Why do some plants thrive while others struggle? The secret often lies in understanding the ecoregion where they naturally occur. By grouping plants based on their original "home"—whether it’s a woodland, prairie, or wetland—you can create a more resilient, low-maintenance, and successful landscape.

In this presentation, Danny Barron will explore:

- The 4 major ecotypes: Woodland, swamp, prairie, and desert.
- Arkansas-specific subtypes: How our local geology and climate dictate what grows best in the Ozarks versus the Delta.
- Selection strategies: Practical tips for choosing and grouping plants that will naturally thrive in your specific soil and light conditions.

Join us to learn how to work with nature rather than against it for a more beautiful and sustainable garden.

Native plants are the foundation of habitat, but wildlife need more than food to thrive. Join ecologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist Shaun McCoshum, PhD, to explore how nesting sites, shelter, water, soil conditions, and other often-overlooked resources can transform a yard into a functioning ecosystem that supports biodiversity year-round.

What does it really take to turn a conventional lawn into a thriving native meadow? Join Owner & Principal, New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Sara Weaner Cooper for a candid look at her family's ongoing lawn-to-meadow transformation featured in The New York Times and BBC. Drawing from three years of hands-on experience, Sara will share the methods, lessons learned, successes, and challenges of converting turfgrass into a dynamic native plant community. Participants will gain practical insights into site preparation, planting, management, and the ecological principles that guide successful meadow establishment, along with realistic expectations for how these landscapes evolve over time.

Registration link coming soon.

Join us at GOAT LAB Brewery in Lowell, Arkansas on Saturday, October 10th for our Fall 2026 Native Plant Sale!

Shop a huge selection of locally grown native plants from multiple trusted vendors. Transform your garden into a pollinator haven or a naturally beautiful landscape.

Wild Ones members will receive a 10% discount off their native plant purchases. Join now to take advantage of this offer: https://members.wildones.org/join/

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 10
Location: GOAT LAB Brewery, 722 S Bloomington St., Lowell, Arkansas
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What to Expect:

• A wide variety of native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees.
• Plants that are adapted to the Northwest Arkansas climate, requiring less water and maintenance.
• Expert advice from local native plant enthusiasts.
• Support for local ecosystems and pollinators.
• Opportunities to learn about creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Come and find the perfect native plants to enhance your outdoor space and contribute to a healthier environment! We look forward to seeing you there!

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

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.