Chapter Events

Travel across the epic sojourn of conservation Chicago Region style, examining some of the seminal moments and defining struggles that have marked our part of the world as an epicenter of environmental thought and action. Discover not only our rich heritage of setting aside land for the natural world but how a new form of conservation, based on building thousands of privately owned backyard arks is revolutionizing conservation for the decades ahead.

Speaker: Ed Collins, retired Director of Land Preservation and Natural Resources for the McHenry County Conservation District

Join the Lake-to-Prairie Wild Ones at the Reiner Park Tree and Shrub Arboretum in Buffalo Grove, IL.   Jeff Weiss, Lake-to-Prairie Chapter board member, will guide  a tour and lead seed collecting from the arboretum and a prairie at the park. If you missed our Arboretum Tour and Planting Event last year, here is another opportunity to see this lovely little botanic collection of native trees and  shrubs.

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Pollinators play a vital role in sustaining our ecosystems and natural resources by helping plants reproduce. This often-overlooked ecosystem service is essential to the health of our environment and deserves our attention and support.

Research shows that local native pollinators thrive alongside local native plants. We know how much these important species support us-- now discover what we can do to support them. Join us to learn practical ways to create healthy, sustainable pollinator habitats in our own landscapes and communities.

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.