Wild Ones Kalamazoo Area Chapter

Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (KAWO) is a southwest Michigan chapter of the national Wild Ones organization dedicated to connecting people with native plants and restoring local habitat. Founded in 1999 by Tom and Nancy Small, KAWO has grown to serve over 200 members across four counties with educational programs, community projects, and advocacy for native plant conservation. The chapter addresses critical conservation challenges by helping residents replace non-native landscapes with diverse native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses that support local wildlife, including pollinators and migratory species. Through monthly meetings, seasonal plant exchanges, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on habitat restoration projects, KAWO empowers community members of all experience levels to make meaningful environmental impact—regardless of yard size. By promoting native plant landscaping, the organization works to reverse habitat loss, support biodiversity, and build climate resilience across southwest Michigan.