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
August 2025
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
Prairiekeeping - The Ritual of Seed Gathering and Project Wingspan
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Note: This program will be presented both in-person and by livestream. To join the livestream, use this link https://youtube.com/live/PhPxKjVMVkk?feature=share. A recording of the program will be available on our YouTube channel.
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Could “prairiekeeping” become a more irresistible trend than beekeeping? Restoring and recreating prairies and pollinator gardens involves a ritual of fun, uplifting activities. Seed gathering in particular, is an exceedingly fun way to enjoy the autumn outdoors. Learn details about how and when to collect seeds as well as information about processing, storage, and best use of collected seeds. Find out about Project Wingspan, Pollinator Partnership’s statewide initiative that partners prairies with local seed collection networks to gather seeds for redistribution among local pollinator habitat projects.
Presenter Bio:
Eleanor Schumacher is an Illinois pollination ecologist serving as the state coordinator of Pollinator Partnership’s Illinois Project Wingspan since 2021. She also works as an Illinois Department of Agriculture apiary inspector since 2010. Fascinated by the correlation between pollinator habitat quality and bee health, she pursued studies in pollination ecology, receiving a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois in 2018.
Free Webinar: "EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis" with Kim Eierman
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Discover how ecological landscaping with native plants can make your landscape more resilient and help address the climate crisis. This webinar will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to designing and maintaining landscapes that build resilience to climate change and support native biodiversity. Join Wild Ones for a free webinar, “EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis,” featuring environmental horticulturalist and ecological landscape designer Kim Eierman.
October 2025
October Wild Ones National Webinar with Doug Tallamy
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 with Larry Weaner
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!