Chapter Events

Plant propagation from seed is an inexpensive way to provide an annual supply of native plants for home landscapes. By growing your native plants from seed, you help preserve genetic diversity of the species, which helps create more resilient plant communities. 

The experience of native seed starting is an enjoyable and rewarding experience but can be challenging too, until you know the tricks to sparking germination. 

This presentation focuses on making plant choices with our native pollinators in mind. Presenter will discuss our native bees, butterflies, wasps, and other pollinators that are under serious threat from a variety of stress factors causing an unceasing decline in their populations. Learn of our pollinators’ importance to biodiversity and about the plants that attract them and why. Find out how a little effort on our part can go a long way for pollinators and our ecosystem while also providing you with beauty and enjoyment. 

Illinois is home to the Sandhill Crane and the endangered Whooping Crane. The history, habitats and threats these cranes face will be discussed. We will also learn how the crane conservation partners are helping out these magnificent birds.

Many plants can add a pop of color to every season.  It's essential to plant across all seasons not just for colors but also to keep your garden and the miniature ecosystems in your backyard healthy and thriving year-round. Find out about some of the favorite spring ephemerals and summer staples in the native plant world, along with underrated fall foliage favorites and essential winter warriors.

Our presenter will introduce us to a variety of  bumble bee species which includes the once common, but now endangered Rusty-patched bumble bee. The program will cover the challenges bumble bees are facing, the important role they play in a healthy ecosystem, and the action steps people can take to transition their community into a more hospitable and welcoming place for all pollinators. 

Jeff Weiss, of the Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership will discus the multiple stressors to our rivers, streams and wetlands and how community education and collaboration with local municipalities and area environmental/conservation groups is fundamental to improving water quality, preserving ecosystems and restoring wetlands, prairies and other natural features for current and future generations. 

Social and guided walk

Walk led by Dylan Taylor to observe fungi

The Midwest is a vastly diverse landscape of savannas, prairies, and dense forests. Every single plant in these ecosystems has a direct or indirect relationship with native species of fungi. This presentation will explore these relationships and their impacts on preserving the natural world.

Landscaping on these two Arbor Vista subdivision properties focuses on over 150 gorgeous species of plants native to northeastern Illinois including 40 native woody (trees and shrubs) species, chosen for their beauty and for screening. They also, very importantly, provide critical support to pollinators and other wildlife, while absorbing and filtering stormwater and sequestering carbon. Last, but not least, they provide a strong sense of place - celebrating Lake County’s unique natural heritage which is among the most diverse and endangered in Illinois. 

 
You will be visiting two gardens that are very close to one another. The gardeners want to ensure that every participant has a great opportunity to explore the spaces so we will offer two viewing times. This is a very special opportunity to visit a mature native garden with carefully selected plants that are native to our area. The second garden is equally inspiring but is much newer. Whether you are new to gardening with natives or consider yourself an experienced veteran, don’t miss this rare opportunity.

Judy Speer, director of Small Waters Education, will present the story of 14 years of growth in a (mostly) native food forest in northern Illinois. Inspired by permaculture and ecological restoration practices, she and  husband Jack have been transforming a patch of woody invasives into a diverse multilayered perennial habitat. Learn how their observations and experimentation are deepening their relationship with the land, and what they have discovered about pawpaws, chokeberries, butternuts and other indigenous foods.

Reed Turner Woodland Preserve is known for its beautiful spring wildflowers, but fall is also an excellent time to visit. Woodland asters and goldenrods should be in full bloom and we'll learn how to identify the different species. We'll look along the woodland trails for the 'doll's eye' fruit of white baneberry and red berries of Jack-in-the-pulpit. Reed Turner Woodland is a hidden gem that has peaceful trails and a rustic nature center. Dress for the weather and expect a moderate hike with some elevation change including stairs. Our guide will be Sarah Shultz.

Learn how to bring nature to your own backyard and explore why using native plants is an important part of environmentally friendly gardening and landscape design. Gain the skills necessary to evaluate site conditions and create landscape designs in harmony with nature by working with natural systems and native plants. 

Dave Eubanks from Eubanks Environmental will share what he has learned from his many years of working with native plants and creating healthier environments through smart fall and spring practices. He will also explain how to help native butterflies, moths and other insects by creating “soft landing” spaces under native trees to provide overwintering spaces for them.

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

Bringing Nature to Life By Preserving Healthy Ecosystems

Nature is a wonderful teacher. Join us as we explore three of the main ecosystems of northern Illinois. Our speakers will summarize characteristics of each area and ecological functions including support of pollinators and wildlife. As we learn about the natural world around us, we can use that information to create beautiful and natural landscapes within our own properties and communities. 

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora. 

Social and pot luck