Chapter Events

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.

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. 

Regular Monthly Board Meeting

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. 

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.

Details coming soon! 

Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! This will be a paid webinar with all proceeds supporting the Seeds for Education Program. 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!