Since 1977, Wild Ones has engaged in nurturing natural landscapes within educational and nature center settings. The organization supports projects that cultivate a reverence for nature through the use of native plants and the development of natural landscapes. Inspired by Lorrie Otto, the heart of the natural landscape movement, Wild Ones continues to encourage environmental stewardship and education.
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education (SFE) Fund aims to instill an appreciation for nature among youth and community members by supporting the creation of projects that utilize native plants and natural landscapes in educational settings. The grant emphasizes student and volunteer involvement in all development stages, enhancing the educational value of the site. Projects should demonstrate creative design, thoughtful planning, and a focus on teaching about native plants appropriate to the local ecosystem. Eligible projects include pollinator gardens, rain gardens for water quality improvement, tallgrass prairies, native plant monarch waystations with citizen science activities, and sensory or natural playgrounds. All projects must emphasize the use of and education about native plants suitable for the local region.