Events

Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events

January 2024

Jan
16

The Watershed--Getting Acquainted

This event has ended
Tuesday, January 16th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Part of our series on learning about watersheds.

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Jan
25

"Cultivating Change" with Lorraine Johnson

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, January 25th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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Jan
25

Prairie Strips: What are they and what do they do?

This event has ended
Thursday, January 25th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Baker Community Center, 101 S 2nd St, St. Charles, IL, 60174 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Public Restroom Free Public Parking

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.

February 2024

Feb
20

My Watershed: Where does it Flow?

This event has ended
Tuesday, February 20th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Part of our series about our local watersheds.

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Feb
29

Forest Bathing

This event has ended
Thursday, February 29th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Hickory Knolls Nature Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd, St. Charles, IL, 60175 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Nature Walk/Hike Public Restroom Free Public Parking

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?

March 2024

Mar
1

Spring Ephemeral Project

This event has ended
to (Central Time)
Kane County

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike

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.

Mar
19

"Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants" with Robin Wall Kimmerer

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online and in person at Reeve Union, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 748 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI, 54901 Map
Live Stream Available

Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Paid Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains Assistive Hearing

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. 

Mar
19

Watershed Health: What Can I Do at Home?

This event has ended
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Part of our series on local watersheds.

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Mar
28

Babbling Brooks and What they can teach us

This event has ended
Thursday, March 28th, 2024
to (Central Time)
101 S 2nd St, St. Charles, IL, 60174 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Free Public Parking

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.  

April 2024

Apr
6

Walk at Norris Woods with Pam Otto and Ryan Solomon.

This event has ended
Saturday, April 6th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Norris Woods

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

Apr
9

Walk at Bluff Spring Fen with Corey Begalka

This event has ended
Tuesday, April 9th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Bluff Spring Fen, 945 Bluff City Blvd, Elgin, IL, 60120 Map

Public Welcome Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

Apr
13

Walk at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve with Steward Kim Haag

This event has ended
Saturday, April 13th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, 41 Hughes Rd, Elburn, IL, 60119 Map

Public Welcome Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

Apr
14

Walk at Dick Young Forest Preserve with Mary Alice Masonick

This event has ended
Sunday, April 14th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Dick Young Forest Preserve, 39W115 Main St, Batavia, IL, 60510 Map

Public Welcome Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

Apr
23

Walk at Tekakwitha Forest Preserve with Steward Valerie Blaine

This event has ended
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
to (Central Time)
Tekakwitha Forest Preserve, 35W076 Villa Maria Rd, St. Charles, IL, 60174 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

Spring ephemeral walk with Steward Valerie Blaine. 

Apr
24

Walk at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve with Steward Mary Ochsenschlager

This event has ended
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660 Bliss Rd, Sugar Grove, IL, 60554 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

Apr
27

Walk at Trout Park with Sue Bohne

This event has ended
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Trout Park, 576 Trout Park Blvd, Elgin, IL, 60120 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

Spring ephemeral walk with Steward Sue Bohne.

Apr
28

Walk at Batavia Wildflower Sanctuary with Steward Sarah Kimber

This event has ended
Sunday, April 28th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Batavia Wildflower Sanctuary, 151 N Island Ave, Batavia, IL, 60510 Map

Public Welcome Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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

May 2024

May
18

Native Plant Sale

This event has ended
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Gray Willows Farm, 5 Corron Rd, Campton Hills, IL, 60175 Map

Public Welcome Seed/Plant Sale Free Public Parking

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

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June 2024

Jun
8

Garden Walk at the Mikowski's

This event has ended
Saturday, June 8th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Mikowski home, Elburn, IL, 60119 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Home Garden Tour

Please join us on Saturday, June 8 at 9:30 AM at the home of Sue and Jim Mikowski for a tour of their wonderful gardens.  Jim and Sue have lived in Elburn for 38 years and most of that time had a lush green lawn and cultivar plants purchased at big box stores.  In 2021 they took the plunge, tore out their entire front lawn, enrolled in the Kane County Certified Naturalist program and joined Wild Ones.  They are learning to become better stewards of their property with the front yard being a work-in-progress pollinator garden transitioning into the surrounding woodland.  They are also in the second year of attempting to establish a native plant prairie strip.

July 2024

Jul
27

Garden Tours

This event has ended
Saturday, July 27th, 2024
to (Central Time)
2 homes

Public Welcome Free Event Home Garden Tour Lots of Physical Activity

We will tour two homes of members on Saturday, July 27.  People need to sign up on Eventbrite for the addresses.  

August 2024

Aug
10

Dayton Bluffs tour

This event has ended
Saturday, August 10th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Dayton Bluffs, 2997 IL-71, Ottawa, IL, 61350 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Group Tour Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking

We will take a tour of Dayton Bluffs Preserve at 8:30.  Be prepared with closed toed hiking shoes, walking stick, water, insect repellant and sunscreen.  Either meet us there at 8:30 or meet at 7:30 at Hickory Knolls if you would like to carpool.  Questions:  contact us at [email protected].

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Aug
22

"Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants" with Sarah Gray & Coralie Palmer

Hosted by Wild Ones Greater Indianapolis Chapter and Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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Aug
22

Bats

This event has ended
Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
to (Central Time)
Baker Community Center, 101 S 2nd St, St. Charles, IL, 60174 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking

Naturalist Pam Otto will give us a presentation about bats in general and specifically the bats who live in our area.  We will also go outside to look for bats.  

September 2024

Sep
1

Wings and Talons field trip

This event has ended
Sunday, September 1st, 2024
to (Central Time)
Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave, Itasca, IL, 60143 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Group Tour Free Public Parking

We will have the opportunity to see the raptors that are housed at the nature center.  Most of them have injuries or are imprinted so cannot be released into the wild.  Our member, Sandi Huckeby, will give us a tour and let us see the raptors up close and personal.  People are welcome to walk the trails at the nature center, which is a part of the Itasca Park District.  

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Sep
19

"The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows" with Heather McCargo

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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Sep
26

Presentation by Ben Haberthur, Executive Director of the Forest Preserve District of Kane Countuy

This event has ended
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St, St. Charles, IL, 60175 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking

Please join us to hear about the introduction of bison to the Burlington Forest Preserve and the future of the forest preserve, which will be celebrating its 100th year in 2025.

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October 2024

Oct
24

"Matrix Landscape Design" with Benjamin Vogt

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, October 24th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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! 

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November 2024

Nov
2

Walk at Johnson's Mound

This event has ended
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
to (Central Time)
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, 41W600 Hughes Rd, Elburn, IL, 60119 Map

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Group Tour Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

We will take a ½ mile walk along the path that was cleared at the east side of the preserve for the 100 year celebration of the forest preserve.  Snacks will be provided.  

Nov
21

Resilient Landscapes with the Native Plant Society of Texas

Hosted by Wild Ones DFW (Seedling) Chapter and Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, November 21st, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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.

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December 2024

Dec
12

Neonics & Advocacy: Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, December 12th, 2024
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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.

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Dec
15

Holiday Party for Members Members Only

Sunday, December 15th, 2024
to (Central Time)
First United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva, IL, 60134 Map

Members Only Free Event Wheelchair Accessible Free Public Parking

This a a potluck holiday party for our members.  If you did not receive an invitation and are a member, contact us at [email protected].  It is also our annual meeting and election of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.