Chapters in Illinois

Travel across the epic sojourn of conservation Chicago Region style, examining some of the seminal moments and defining struggles that have marked our part of the world as an epicenter of environmental thought and action. Discover not only our rich heritage of setting aside land for the natural world but how a new form of conservation, based on building thousands of privately owned backyard arks is revolutionizing conservation for the decades ahead.

Speaker: Ed Collins, retired Director of Land Preservation and Natural Resources for the McHenry County Conservation District

Join us to hear Jack Pizzo, founder and principal of The Pizzo Group.  He is committed to sustainability and naturally beautiful habitats and has over 35 years of experience restoring habitats and preserving land for continued sustainability.

Discover how adding pollinator and rain gardens to your community can transform local landscapes into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems which support biodiversity.  

Join like minded people for an evening of fun on Hauberg's beautiful lawn.  Bring a lawn chair and maybe a snack beverages are availablefor purchase.

Join Wendy and Roger Vernon for a tour of their yard and see how it has evolved since the 2019 Wild Ones tour.

Since planting their first native plants in 2017, they have gradually replaced much of their lawn with a diverse landscape that now includes more than 100 species of native plants, along with herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Their gardens provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, all while being maintained without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers.

The landscape has been created over time using a combination of winter-sown seedlings grown from seeds obtained through the Greater DuPage Wild Ones seed exchange, native plants purchased from plant sales and nurseries, and plants shared by friends. Come see what is possible on a small 0.20-acre lot and gather ideas for creating your own native plant garden.

There will also be some light snacks and people are welcome to hang out and talk afterwards.

Because distance often keeps members from attending monthly programs, we're offering a relaxed new way to connect.  Join us for casual conversation about native plants, gardens, birds, and pollinators - just good company and shared ideas.  Let's learn from one another - no program.  Just conversation. 

Members cover their own food and drinks.