Chapters in Illinois

Al Watts will give a brief history of the first five forest preserves of Kane County and the women who helped the forest preserve become a reality one hundred years ago.  He will also talk about June Keibler, one of our founders and her successful efforts at starting the volunteer program. 

We’re hosting a special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a beautifully shot 60-minute documentary that reveals the vital—and often overlooked—role caterpillars play in our ecosystems.

Watch the trailer here! https://vimeo.com/1117213704

From blooming meadows to city parks and backyard gardens, this inspiring film celebrates the magic of nature while showing families practical ways to make a difference.

Along the way, you’ll see the groundbreaking work of The Caterpillar Lab, entomologist David Wagner, and Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park.

Event Details
DATE: April 23, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: ICC North Campus Arbor Hall Auditorium
PRICE: FREE
PRESENTED BY: Wild Ones - Illinois Prairie Chapter, ICC SAFE (Students Acting For the Environment), Peoria Wilds Land Trust, Entomology Section - Peoria Academy of Sciences 

What you’ll get:

--Inspiring stories about why caterpillars are essential to healthy ecosystems

--Simple steps you can take to create habitat in your own yard or community

--A chance to ask questions during a live Q&A

--Free handouts to help you take action right away

This is a chance to see nature in a whole new light—and to be part of the movement to bring it home. We hope you’ll join us!

Wild Ones member will lead a tour of the Vi Bates Wildflower Garden she has worked on for several years. Entrance to the gardens is free with registration. Directions will be sent in registration email.  Register on our website: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kzd6wka

Spend a day in nature with WIU Counselor Education Department, Hauberg Estate and Wild Ones Quad Cities!  Speaker, panel, classes.  

Agenda 2026 Plants, Paths, & Pizza  

11:00 - Organization Tables open

11:00 till 12:00 - Nature Yoga & Nature Walk

12:00 - Pizza

12:30 till 1:30 - Keynote Speaker Grant Fessler, Botanist Flora of the Quad Cities: a Natural History and Vision for the Future"

2:00 till 3:00 - Classes switch on the half hour 

Edible Fung-Nature and Compassion Sound Bowls- Ayurveda Native Plants - Esoteric Acupuncture

3:15 - Organization Tables close

3:15 til 4:30 - Panel of Experts

4:45 - Nature Walk/ Jens Jense

It's that time of year! Pollinators are emerging and are looking for a banquet of pollen and nectar to nourish themselves and their offspring. Adding native plants is one of the best things you can do to help.

Join us to learn about some of our favorite early looming native pollinator forbs (flowering plants), and how they are a vital substitue for non-native, lower quality landscapes.

Converting even a small patch of your lawn into a native garden will help our pollinator friends.

If you are able, please leave the parking lot for those that are less able. Parking on the street is allowed for this event.