Calendar of Events and Programs

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/ 

Come tour the Kirsch property, a great example of what five years of hard work can produce. The five acres, purchased in 2020, came with thirty-six different native trees species and a huge amount of invasive species. The Kirsch’s have been working to remove invasive species and replant with natives.

Parking: It is okay to park along right side of drive all the way up to the house but please keep within 10 feet of the driveway edge to stay off the neighbor's land.

Property transformation highlights:

– Approximately one acre of mature woods are in a flood plain. A seasonal stream ends in a large sink hole as well as a hand dug frog pond in the back corner. Dozens of bareroot native trees and shrubs have been planted where solid stands of honeysuckle and autumn olive have been removed.

– Two prairie zones have been added that include native shrubs, tall grasses, and native flowering plants. A third prairie zone is in the planning stages.

– The beds around the house are all US natives and native cultivars with a more traditional garden look. 

– A fenced orchard along the drive.

– A large garden that is fenced and surrounded by native plants

Hope to see you there!

Do you have a section of lawn that is rarely used or that you're tired of mowing? If so, come learn how you can convert a section of traditional lawn to a native meadow/prairie using seed. It's an affordable and DIY friendly option to creating larger areas of beautiful and beneficial habitat in your home landscape. This presentation will cover the 'how to' of site assessment, preparation, seeding, and vegetation management. Lets rethink lawns together!

Nick Hirsch is owner of Keystone Landscapes, an ecological landscaping business based here in Central Ohio. He is an Ohio State engineering alum with graduate studies in ecological restoration and environmental sustainability. His interests in systems thinking have carried his career from aerospace manufacturing to prison reform and now into the realm of ecosystems where his true passion has come to bear. He is driven to bring others in closer connection with the natural systems of our world to learn and encourage better stewardship of the land/wildlife gifted to us.

For the schedule of activities, visit the Columbus ArborFest page.

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Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!