2026 Educational Programs

October 2026

Invasive plants are a threat to natural lands and native plants throughout northern Illinois.  Controlling invasive species is important for every landowner, even on small parcel sizes. This presentation will discuss how to identify the common invasive plants found in the region Read More

September 2026

Discover how pollinator and rain gardens can transform everyday landscapes into beautiful, thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and nature. Join us to learn how native plant gardens can attract and support essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and create more resilient, beautiful communities. Read More

August 2026

Click here to download the handout from this program.

Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of the Natural Land Institute, will explore the native annual, perennial and woody vines found in the Midwest and how you can utilize them in the home landscape. Vines can conform to tight spaces and cover structures to cool and enliven them. Read More

July 2026

Chapter President, Jerry Paulson, will share with us how the wetlands along the Pecatonica River in northern Illinois were formed and why they are important to migratory birds and waterfowl. Following the presentation, Jerry will lead us on a hike from the bluff through the restored prairie and to the edge of the ox-bow wetlands that have been restored by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County with help from Ducks Unlimited. Read More

June 2026

Dave Mullen started his outdoor education as a young boy hunting and gathering in woodlands, and along creeks and rivers with his dad and grandpa. These early adventures have stayed with him throughout his life. He will share his experiences foraging for mushrooms and other outdoor lore. Read More

May 2026

Chris Reisetter, noted nature photographer, will show you how to take better photographs using your Android or iPhone camera. He will take us outside to amble or mosey through the wildflowers planted around the library to practice using your smartphone and show you how to improve your photography skills. Read More

April 2026

Modern life has weakened the relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world. The environmental problems we face can be paralyzing. We’ll look at ways we may begin to heal this relationship through rewilding and reciprocity.  Volunteer stewardship opportunities, rewilding our yards through native plants, composting, and growing our own food all offer meaningful ways for us to tend to this relationship and create active hope for a more resilient and biodiverse world. The program will include a presentation and group discussion. Arrive at 6:00 pm for an optional mindfulness walk on the land. Read More

March 2026

Mike Brien, Director of Natural Resources for the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, will give an update on the success of salvaging prairie sod and topsoil from Bell Bowl Prairie after part of the prairie was destroyed in March 2023 to construct a service road at Chicago Rockford International Airport. The forest preserve staff was permitted to salvage the sod and topsoil removed from the prairie, rescue plants and roots and incorporate them into an ongoing prairie restoration project at the nearby Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve. Read More

February 2026

In recent years, there has been a large increase in reports of injuries to crops, trees, and native plants from exposure to drift of herbicides such as 2,4-D and Dicamba.  Both of these plant growth regulator herbicides are commonly used in agriculture and lawn management. Even moderate levels of repeated and/or chronic exposure to herbicide drift can injure plants and have unseen effects on our environment. Read More

January 2026 -

Darkness at night is as important to plants and wildlife as sunshine in the day. Plants need periods of darkness for healthy flowering, pollination, fruit set, and dormancy. The wildlife associated with our native plants need darkness, too. In this presentation, we’ll look at what goes on in the dark, why your native landscaping needs darkness at night, and how light pollution affects flora, fauna, and humans. Read More