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.

 Have you ever thought that birding might be a fun activity to try? This is your chance! Join us for a beginner bird walk at Lakewood Forest Preserve with Matt Tobin from Lake County Audubon Society. Lakewood is a sprawling and picturesque preserve with a variety of habitats, areas of reclaimed prairie, and mature woodlands. Spring migration will be in full swing in early May and many birds will be passing through or looking to spend the summer in the diverse habitats. Lots of songbirds will actively singing as they try to attract mates.

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.

Guided walk at Small Waters Education Center's food forest followed by guided walk through a part of neighboring Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Join us for an early summer walk at beautiful Pine Dunes, located in Antioch, IL, This preserve features a pristine mix of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory woodlands. Wide even trails make this an easy walk, suitable for all. Our guide will be land steward, Don Wilson

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.

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

This program will introduce a number of Apps and digital resources that can assist the user in creating beautiful environmentally valuable spaces that welcome wildlife while avoiding the harmful chemicals and polluting practices required for the American lawn. Whether you are new to native gardening or an experienced veteran, there are resources to help you.

Speakers: Sandy Washburn and Matt Tobin

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Flint Creek Savanna is an award-winning restoration that covers nearly a mile of creeks course, four oak and hickory groves and acres of restored wetlands and prairie.

Every fourth grader in Barrington School District 220 takes a class trip to the local prairie. Volunteers from Citizens for Conservation lead guided nature walks; studying, measuring and drawing native plants; and collecting seeds. These field trips are integrated with learning back in the classroom and have been a tradition for many years.

Join the Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter as we offer this program to our members, friends and their families at beautiful Flint Creek Savanna. This outing is designed for the entire family. Little ones must be accompanied by adults. Experience this prairie in full fall splendor and the joy that both the participants and volunteers feel through the Fourth Graders on the Prairie program.

Whether you are planting new trees in the yard or trying to keep your trees healthy and looking good, this talk is for you. There are right and wrong ways to take care of trees. As a certified arborist for the last 26 years, Chris Mest will talk about the 4 most important things you can do to keep trees healthy.  He will cover tips on planting, mulching, pruning, watering and more.

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One's national webinar, "Matrix Landscape Design" with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

Over the past 50 years human alteration of the Earth’s climate has accelerated rapidly. We need to get smarter about gardening in an era of weather unpredictability. Embracing native plant species resilient to local climate shifts can help gardeners significantly contribute to environmental preservation. This years’ conference focuses on looking at various approaches to the weather related challenges we may face as we nurture our own gardens and landscape.

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.