Chapter Events

While plants are hibernating along with most wildlife, many trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses are identifiable by their wintertime shape and characteristics. This talk will explain how to identify plants in winter, and will provide a sneak preview of spring by unlocking a few secrets of seed dormancy and germination.

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

You can find bobolink, cranes, and warblers if you know where to look. This presentation reveals the lives of birds, how habitat is important, and why your Lake County Forest Preserves are crucial to their continued success in our area.

Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money, and energy, and contribute to climate change. Our presenter Adam Kreuzer, will discuss the consequences of outdoor light pollution and what we can do to preserve our natural night skies.

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Tired of maintaining large sections of lawn grass?  Swapping out turf for natives turns what's essentially a food desert for insects into a buffet that can support a diverse array of birds, bees, butterflies and other vital creatures. Learn how to convert areas of your lawn to a native wildflower meadow from seed in this program with  Community Ecologist, Sarah Michehl.

Our program discussion this month is all about the plant family Apiaceae, which includes carrots and parsley. Many of these plant species can be found locally in open areas, along roadsides and in our own landscapes. Some are used as conservation plants and food crops while others can be quite invasive and downright dangerous. 

Join Steve Byers and Nancy Williamson, founding members of the Friends of Hackmatack, as they discuss the journey in establishing, the first national wildlife refuge in the Chicago metro area and the work that continues to grow this beautiful nature reserve.

Forty species of snakes inhabit Illinois, dwelling in forests, grasslands, marshes, swamps and streams. Some species are quite common, while others are very rare. These reptiles are solitary predators that eat a variety of prey. Learn about the role snakes play in our lives with U of I Extension Educator, Jesse Davis. 

Do you want some practical tips on how to rid your property of invasive plant species such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard? Join Sarah Michehl, Community Ecologist with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, to learn how to control these non-native bullies in your landscape. Native plant replacement recommendations will also be discussed.