The chapter holds monthly programs on various topics related to native plants. The chapter also sponsors and organizes a variety of other events throughout the year. These include volunteer opportunities and social events. For full details about all of the chapter’s events, view the programs and events listed below. The Volunteer page lists the various activities where we need help from members.
Programs & Events are free and open to the public (unless otherwise designated as a members-only program). Some of our programs are being held online via Zoom. To register for a specific virtual program, visit the individual program links below.
Recordings of some of our past programs can be found on our YouTube Channel.
Events Archive: 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events
July 2025
Field Trip to Horn Prairie Members Only
Members Only Free Event Nature Walk/Hike
Hold the date, details in member newsletter and emails.
Member Yard Tour & Potluck Members Only
TBA
Members Only Chapter Meeting Chapter Social Home/Private Garden Tour
Details TBA to chapter members.
August 2025
Board Meeting Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Board Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Regular Monthly Board Meeting
Trees and Shrubs of Central Illinois
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Note: This program will be presented both in-person and by livestream. The link to join the livestream will be posted here closer to the program date. A recording of the program will be available on our YouTube channel.
******
Native plants are becoming the superstars of our home landscapes but many of us are less familiar with these plants in the built environment. Join Illinois Extension Educator, Ryan Pankau, for a presentation focused on the use of native trees and shrubs in landscaping. Ryan will review the challenges that urban environment presents to natives and discuss how you can properly site and care for these spectacular plants on your property. His presentation will focus on plants included in the chapter's “Fall Tree & Shrub Sale”, as well as other native species that are popular in the horticulture industry.
Presenter Bio:
Ryan has over two decades of experience as a forester and arborist, building his lifelong love of trees into the career he enjoys today. He has experience with forest restoration and management as well as care of individual trees in the urban setting. In recent years, Ryan has focused on integrating the concepts of ecology into the management of plants in the built environment to create more resilient landscapes that better support the native flora and fauna of Illinois.
Field Trip to Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve & Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary Members Only
Members Only Free Event Nature Walk/Hike
Hold the date, details in member newsletter and emails.
September 2025
Field Trip to The Grove at Kickapoo Creek Members Only
Members Only Free Event Nature Walk/Hike
Hold the date, details in member newsletter and emails.
Board Meeting Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Board Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Regular Monthly Board Meeting
September Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2025
October Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
Board Meeting Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Board Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Regular Monthly Board Meeting
November 2025
Annual Meeting and Native Seed Exchange Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Annual Meeting Chapter Election Seed/Plant Share Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Annual Reports will be presented to the membership for 2025. The election of officers for 2026 will be held. After the meeting, members will participate in a seed exchange.
November Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!