Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter

Welcome to Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter!

We promote environmentally friendly, sound landscaping to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities across Southern Maryland.

Wild Ones chapters are a space where like-minded people gather to support each other in learning about landscaping with native plants and to share with others in their communities and networks about why it’s important to reintroduce native plants into public and private gardens and how to go about doing it. Chapters are where change happens. We are excited to offer local residents the opportunity to expand their impact in the natural landscaping movement and help promote native plants!

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Recent Posts/News

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  • Nonprofit Spotlight – Seed Library Network
    Have you ever wondered what it takes to start a seed library? Did you know there’s a national Seed Library Network that has everything you need to know to get started? In this second post in our ongoing series of nonprofit organizations, we introduce you to the Seed Library Network, whose work aligns with the… Read more: Nonprofit Spotlight – Seed Library Network
  • Welcome Spring! 2026
    The first week of spring saw a flurry of activities for Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, from creating a welcoming display case at the local library, to winter sowing and seed sharing at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), to advocating for legislation in Maryland. Twin Beaches Display Case On Monday, several chapter members converted the… Read more: Welcome Spring! 2026
  • March 2026 Happenings
    Welcome Spring! Today marks the beginning of meteorological spring, with Daylight Saving Time just around the corner. I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer and the gardens to start waking up for the season. We have an exciting lineup of programs for you in March. Please read on, as there’s sure to be something of… Read more: March 2026 Happenings
  • National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026
    National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is here! NISAW is happening from February 23–27, 2026, and is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. NISAW is led by The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) in… Read more: National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026


A Few of My Favorite Native Things

Native bees buzzing and fireflies lighting
Monarches eclosing and new species sightings
Hummingbirds hover on fast-moving wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Red oaks and white oaks in decades old glory
Dogwoods and redbuds in the understory
Paw paw, persimmon, sassafras seedlings
These are a few of my favorite things

Beechdrops on beech roots and milkweed fluff flowing
Seed heads turn brown as the plants finish growing
Winter approaches and then then comes the spring
When I’ll enjoy more of my native things

When the frost bites
When the wind stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my native gard’ning
And then I don't feel so bad

by Marlene Smith, President Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay