Chapter Events

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 | 2026 | Upcoming Events

September 2025

Sep
18

Free Webinar: "EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis" with Kim Eierman

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Online/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.

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October 2025

Oct
16

Free Webinar: "Next Steps for Nature" with Doug Tallamy

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. 

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Oct
20

Board Meeting Members Only

Monday, October 20th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map

Members Only Free Event Chapter Board Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking

Regular Monthly Board Meeting

Oct
20

Native Gardening Mini-Sessions

Monday, October 20th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

This program will consist of three small group native gardening mini-sessions (approx. 15 minutes each) presented by chapter members Ann Schreifels, Barry Lake and Janet Rasmussen. Program attendees will be split into groups and rotate between sessions and then reconvene as a large group for a question-and-answer session and further discussion. 

The topics of these mini-sessions are:

Goldenrods (by Ann Schreifels): Goldenrods are lauded for their late season blooms, but also cursed because of the false belief they cause fall allergies to spike. While there are many ecosystem benefits to goldenrods, not all are suited to home landscaping. This presentation will discuss several species and the characteristics that make them best suited for gardeners. Ann is a Master Naturalist and co-president of our chapter. She dove deep into the world of goldenrods to find the best ones for our area.

Native Grasses for Birds (by Barry Lake): Many people can identify the birds that visit their backyards, and some even know what birds eat which seed at a feeder! However, when it comes to native prairies with their variety of grasses and other plants, what birds are living there, and what the birds are specifically using these plants for may not be as well known. This presentation will take an abbreviated look at several different types of prairie grasses and the birds that use them.  Barry is a self-taught birder who enjoys the interconnection between birds and the wild areas they occupy. Having been a Wild One member for several years, Barry has always visualized a "rewilding" of state areas that provide a safe haven for birds and wildlife by providing the natural habitat they instinctively seek.

Fall and Winter Landscaping Activities (by Janet Rasmussen): Fall and winter don’t need to be slow times in our yards.  Janet will present a variety of activities that can be carried out during this time that can help make our yards more environmentally friendly.  Janet has been an active member of the Illinois Prairie chapter since its founding in 2010 and has served in several capacities on the chapter’s Board. She has enjoyed seeing first-hand how both adding native plants to the home landscape and being a “messy” gardener are beneficial to the environment. 

November 2025

Nov
10

Annual Meeting and Native Seed Exchange Members Only

Monday, November 10th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map

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.

Nov
20

Free Webinar: "Living in the Liberated Landscape" with Larry Weaner

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

January 2026

Jan
21

Free National Webinar- January 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

February 2026

Feb
18

Free National Webinar- February 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

March 2026

Mar
18

Free National Webinar- March 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

September 2026

Sep
16

Free National Webinar- September 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

October 2026

Oct
21

Free National Webinar- October 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

November 2026

Nov
18

Free National Webinar- November 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, November 18th, 2026
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon!