Rock River Valley Chapter Wild Ones Dirty on the 30s Yard Tours 2026
Following the especially successful yard tours last year, we are bringing them back again in 2026. We are excited to note that several individuals enjoyed the tours so much that they joined the RRV chapter!
This year we have increased the number of tours and expanded their locations around the region. Come join us to see how you can incorporate native plants that support insects, birds, and other wildlife. Learn how native plants can make a significant impact on the environment, beginning in your own yards.
The Dirty on the 30s Yard Tours are free and open to the public but registration is required. You will receive a confirmation email that will contain the address and directions for each of the tours after you register.
Sunday August 30th
Visit two properties near Oregon – 1:00-3:30 PM. One hour tour at each property with a half hour travel time in between.
Sunday, August 30th
The RRVC Dirty on the 30s Yard Tour – August 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The tour will include two properties in Oregon, Illinois.
The first tour is located east of the Rock River and is a fairly new property undergoing initial conversion to native plants. The second tour is located west of the Rock River and is a property that has been in a 15-year restoration process. Both of the properties are owned by Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter members.
Beginning at 1:00 pm, meet at the property of Brian Hale.
This is an early conversion from an entirely non-native yard. The recently purchased property has over 200 native trees, including walnuts, shagbark & bitternut hickories, honey locusts, bur, black, & red oaks, hazelnuts, cherries, & elms. New plantings include black oak, serviceberry, redbud, eastern wahoo, & pawpaw plus many sedges. There are several projects in process & many more to go, experimenting along the way. Brian is currently removing day lilies, weeding, & planning fall work.
At 2:30 pm we will travel to the property of Ken and Jodi Keilsmeier.
The owners built their home in 1996, but planting natives didn’t begin until the last 15 years. There is a mix of natives and other plantings from previous years before Ken actively incorporated native plants. The property is mostly woodland with a few open places for native prairie plants. Several native shrubs and trees have been planted over the years.
Registration is Required to Attend the Tour