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
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
Free Webinar: "Next Steps for Nature" with Doug Tallamy
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/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.
Board Meeting Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Board Meeting Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Regular Monthly Board Meeting
Native Gardening Mini-Sessions
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
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.
Free Webinar: "Living in the Liberated Landscape" with Larry Weaner
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
January 2026
Free National Webinar- January 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
February 2026
Free National Webinar- February 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
March 2026
Free National Webinar- March 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
September 2026
Free National Webinar- September 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2026
Free National Webinar- October 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2026
Free National Webinar- November 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!