Members Only, Annual Meeting, Potluck, and Seed Share
November 2025
Join us for our annual meeting featuring a potluck, seed share, and annual report of our 31st year as a Wild Ones chapter! To be as eco-friendly as possible, please bring your own table service (plate, silverware, cup, and napkin) and a dish to pass (salad, vegetable, or dessert and serving utensil). Lasagna (both meat and vegetarian), and drinks will be provided. Read More
Birds of Nachusa Grasslands with Susan Kleiman
October 2025 - Click here to read the written recap of this program.
Susan Kleiman will highlight some of the 245 species of birds that breed, winter, and stop-over at The Nature Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands preserve. She will discuss the way the preserve is managed to help birds through prescribed fires, grazing, tree thinning, and increasing habitat through restoration of local farm fields. Read More
What’s Up with Butterflies? with Alan Branhagen
September 2025 Click here to read the written recap of this program.
Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of the Natural Land Institute, will show the marvelous array of butterflies and moths that can be found in our area. Learn about the various species found here, their status, how you can attract them to your yard with their host and nectar plants and even ways to garden or maintain your landscape so that you don't harm them. Read More
Native Trees and Shrubs Recommendations with Brian Hale
August 2025 Click here to read the written recap of this program.
Join us on August 21, 2025, to discover what are the best trees and shrubs for this area so you can order with confidence from this year’s Native Tree and Shrub Sale. Longtime Wild Ones member and Native Tree & Shrub Sale Coordinator Brian Hale will discuss the different plants in the tree and shrub sale, how best to use them, and situations to avoid. Read More
Members-Only Annual Picnic & Tour
July 2025 (This program was presented in person; therefore, there is no recording or YouTube video)
Locally known as Indian Hill Manor, the country estate was designed for Charles and Esta Barrett by Rockford architect Charles W. Bradley and prominent landscape gardener O.C. Simonds, who created a natural landscape using plants, shrubs and trees native to the area. Completed in 1917, the property was the Barrett’s weekend retreat and gentleman’s farm. After Charles died in 1918, Esta lived on the property, ran the farm, and hosted parties and charity events in the garden. Read More
Rewilding the Fairways: A Hike & Lecture With Ann Wasser
June 2025 (This program was presented in person; therefore, there is no recording or YouTube video)
Join us for an evening with Ann Wasser, Executive Director of Severson Dells Nature Center, as she leads a hike and lecture about the evolving landscape of the former Elliot Golf Course — a site undergoing a rewilding transformation. This guided experience will explore how abandoned fairways and manicured greens are being restored to native prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats. Learn about the trends in golf course rewilding, the ecological vision driving the project, and how rewilding supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being. Read More
Web of Lies: Myths and Misinformation About Spiders With Kevin Wiener
May 2025 (Click the title to view the program YouTube video)
Get ready to explore the incredible world of spiders through the close-up photography of Kevin Wiener and learn vital information about the species right here in our area. Join us for an interactive talk and unlock a newfound appreciation for these amazing creatures, turning fear into fascination one fact at a time! Come eager to ask questions, ready to learn something new, and wearing comfortable shoes – because after our discussion, the adventure continues outside with a spider hunt!
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All Sedges Have Edges, But Carex Species Thrive in All Types of Conditions by Mandy Komes-Leifheit
April 2025 (Click the title to view the program Powerpoint and hear audio)
Illinois is home to 159 native Carex species, which are highly adaptable and found in a wide range of habitats—from wetlands and woodlands to sunny residential landscapes. Each Carex species thrives in its specific environmental conditions, making them an essential part of every ecosystem. These sedges play a key role in supporting healthy environments by providing habitat and food sources for wildlife. Read More
Gardening with Native Plants by Susan Carpenter
March 2025 (Click the title to view the program YouTube video)
March’s Wild Ones program features Susan Carpenter, native plant curator and gardener at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum.
Native plants are the basis of sustainable, diverse, and beautiful gardens supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife. A native plant garden itself illustrates local flora, appropriate plant placement, and seasonal change.
Restoring Habitat for Rusty Patched Bumble Bees by Mike Groves, Natural Resource Manager, Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
February 2025 (Click the title to view the program YouTube video)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as an “endangered” species and has initiated a formal rule-making process to designate critical habitat for the bee, including parts of northern Illinois. Read More