Chapters in Illinois

We will tour two homes of members on Saturday, July 27.  People need to sign up on Eventbrite for the addresses.  

Discover the beauty, versatility and dependability of native plants. Tour 9 colorful, life-filled gardens in Berwyn and Oak Park, Illinois, during our annual Birds, Bees & Butterflies Native Garden Tour July 27, 2024 from 1 to 5 p.m.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Meet passionate and knowledgeable home gardeners who have been experimenting with and observing native plants for many years. They’ll guide you through their gardens and answer your specific questions about native gardening.

You’ll learn about sustainable landscaping and rain gardens, and how they can reduce backyard flooding.
You'll get to see gardeners' favorite native plants and hear how they change throughout the seasons.
You’ll explore small gardens and large gardens, manicured looks and more carefree ones, and newly planted and mature established landscapes.
Whether you’re a beginning gardener or have more soil between your toes than you care to reveal, you’ll walk away with practical, hands-on tips you can apply to your own yard.

Join us for a twice-monthly stewardship workday at Collinson Ecological Preserve in partnership with the QC Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society and Augustana College. Activities change with the season and needs of the preserve’s natural communities, but you can expect to participate in native seed collection and dispersal, invasive species removal, brush cutting and burning, and more. Come lend a hand and experience the magic of engaging with our local ecology!

Workdays will happen every second Wednesday from 5-7pm and every fourth Sunday from 10am-Noon each month.

We will meet at the parking area located at
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCdzAp6X8AdLDAze7
41.436870, -90.552758

If the lot is full when you arrive, please pull all the way down the driveway and park in front of the garage.
Please make sure to wear long pants, bring bug spray, sun protection, water, and any other items you will need to be comfortable outdoors. All tools and equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! We will do our best to announce the focus activities for each workday ahead of time.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected]. Let us know if you have any questions and hope to see you at the preserve!

Do you want some practical tips on how to rid your property of invasive plant species such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard? Join Sarah Michehl, Community Ecologist with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, to learn how to control these non-native bullies in your landscape. Native plant replacement recommendations will also be discussed.

Nature hike led by Joan McMullen