Events

Part of our series on learning about watersheds.

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. 

The Agricultural liaison for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Michelle Blackburn, will discuss prairie strips and how they will plan to use them on the agricultural land the forest preserve owns.

Part of our series about our local watersheds.

Most of us in Wild Ones know and appreciated the benefits of being in the forest.  Alison Paul, of the Conservation Foundation, will take us deeper to a physiological and psychological excercise called shinrin-yoku:  taking in the forest atmosphere.  The term emerged in Japan in the 1980's.  Its purpose?  Offer an antidote to the tech-boom burnout and to inspire people to reconnect with and protect the forests.  Be prepared to open your senses, lift your mood, and reduce stress and anxiety?

This is the 3rd year we have co-sponsored the Spring Ephemeral Project.  Anyone can log onto iNaturalist and record what they see anywhere in Kane County.

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. 

Part of our series on local watersheds.

Jeff Weiss of the Flint Creek /Spring Creek watershed partnership will discuss the multiple stressors to our rivers, streams and wetlands such as increased pollutant loads from stormwater runoff., altered stream flow, and decreased bank stability.  He will also talk about how community education and collaboration with local municipalities and area environmental/conservation groups is the key to improving water quality, preserving ecosystems and restoring wetlands,prairies and other natural features for current and future generations.  

Spring ephemeral walk as well as celebrate Migratory Bird Day.  Norris Woods will also be inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network.

A spring ephemeral walk at Bluff Spring Fen with Corey Begalka.

Spring ephemeral walk at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve with steward Kim Haag.

Spring ephemeral walk with Mary Alice Masonick.  (Be sure to enter at the Main Street entrance, not on Nelson Lake Road.)

Spring ephemeral walk with Steward Valerie Blaine. 

Spring ephemeral walk with Mary Ochsenschlager.  Co-sponsored by the Sugar Grove Enhancement Committee.

Spring ephemeral walk with Steward Sue Bohne.

Spring ephemeral walk at the Batavia Wildflower Sanctuary with Steward Sarah Kimber.  

Our 12th annual native plant and shrub sale will be Saturday, May 18 from 9-2.  We accept cash, check and charge.