We need people with ideas and people who like to get their hands dirty. We need people with connections in the commuities in which they live and those who are able to influence their neighbors. We need people willing to work with children, scout groups, schools and churches. You know how much land is owned by churches that is empty and devoid of life all summer long just waiting for lawnmowers to arrive? What if we converted all that acreage to wild-life supporting habitat? While the parents are indoors, their kids could be out in the prairie with an interpreter from the church to take that time as a learning experience. The potential is HUGE to make some difference. This is a perfect way for retired folks who like gardening to get back outdoors and accomplish something great. Todays kids don't bite any harder then you did when you were one!

Our chapter does not have many WildOnes members probably due to the highly urbanized nature of our environment but we're number one in the country for urban farming initiatives! Look at what's been done in Chicago which is practically no different when it comes to latitude and fresh-water shoreline. This area is an environmental "sleeping giant" from the number of people living here and you don't need acreage to make a difference. Help wake the sleeping giant and turn this area green with native vegetation for the good of our fellow Earthlings (plants and animals). It's time to GO WILD! Catch us on our Yahoo Groups site to see what the buzz is all about or at least subscribe to the email list-server to see what's going on. At the Yahoo Groups site you'll find links to current events and past projects, files with links to free videos, play "name that plant" from our selection of "mystery photos" and see examples of rain garden installations in typical residential yards.