Events

Learn about plants native to Illinois that will work and spruce up your homelandscape! Matt Hokanson will discuss elements of good garden design including planning, native plant selection, preparing your garden space for planting, and plant spacing. Ideas for plant combinations will also be shared for various settings!

Matt is the co-owner of Woods to Wetlands, an ecological services company that specializes in natural area restoration and landscaping with native plants. He is also a certified arborist, prescription burn manager and has been learning how to propagate rare native plant species at home for volunteer restoration initiatives.

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!