Why Native Wildflowers? - An Introduction
Presented by Tim Lewis of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers

Why Natives is an introduction to landscaping using native wildflowers. The presentation explains the history of our ecosystems, how we got to where we are today and why native plants are vital to the environment. The benefits and fallacies of natural landscaping will be explained. Finally, examples of native plant landscapes will inspire you to change your thinking about your own landscapes.

Tim Lewis is the national president of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. He has been on the board of directors for over 10 years. Tim was president of the Rock River Valley chapter in Rockford for several years and served on the board for many more years. He is the past president of Four Rivers Environmental Coalition. Tim was named "Conservationist of the Year" for 2009 by the Sinnissippi Audubon Society. In 2011, he was a finalist for the Seth B. Atwood Memorial Park and Conservation Service Award and in 2012 was the recipient of this award.He was born in Billings and his last Montana home was Missoula when he entered the Army. After the service, got married and moved to Rockford, IL. He has been growing native plants in his yard since 1991. Their yard contains over 100 species of native plants in prairie plots, rain gardens, and savanna and shade gardens. Wild Ones is a national not-for-profit organization with local chapters that teaches about the many benefits of growing native wildflowers in people's yards. Wild Ones strives to become a widely recognized voice for native plants and the sustainable landscaping movement, promoting increased use of native plantings that create living landscapes through grassroots efforts by example, education, marketing, and personalized support. Established in 1979, Wild Ones is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, has 49 chapters and nearly 4000 active members around the country. For more information, visit www.wildones.org.