Greater DuPage Chapter Events

We tend to think of darkness as something to overcome. But in Nature, darkness isn't a problem to solve; it's part of the rhythm of life.

Bats and owls need it. Plants respond to it. Our own bodies are shaped by it. And without darkness, we would never see the stars.

In this talk, Sarah Woodard invites us to look at darkness differently, not as the absence of something, rather as a necessary part of a living world. Together, we'll explore what Nature's rhythms can teach us about our own need for rest, contrast, uncertainty, and the seasons when we can't yet see what's coming next.

Because sometimes, the dark isn't where the light disappears.

It's where we learn to see it.

Sarah will weave together Nature, observation, story, and the human experience of belonging to the living world, offering a different way of thinking about our relationship with both Nature and ourselves.

Sarah will have her book for sale and sign copies at the conclusion of the meeting.

Bio: Sarah Woodard is an Experiential Nature-Based Perception Guide, speaker, author of The Language Before Words, and founder of Wisdom Grove. She weaves together wonder, presence, and the quiet wisdom of Nature to help people rediscover belonging through the practice of noticing.

Through guided Nature experiences, speaking, writing, and photography, Sarah invites people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and remember that they are part of the living world—not separate from it.

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Start saving seeds now and join us for the much-anticipated Greater DuPage Wild Ones Annual Seed Exchange and Chapter Meeting, hosted at The Growing Place in Aurora! This event is a favorite among our members and friends, and it is an excellent opportunity to connect, share seeds and valuable information. We encourage everyone to save seeds in preparation for this gathering. 

Schedule
10:00 am - 10:30 am: If you are bringing seeds or items to donate, please arrive prior to the start of the event. This helps avoid confusion caused by seeds getting set out at the same time seeds are being removed. The more seeds you bring, the earlier you should arrive. (Thank You!)
Hand your seeds or donation items to our volunteers at the Welcome Table to get placed in the appropriate category, then please enjoy exploring The Growing Place or visit with other attendees (outside, if it is nice), until we are ready to start the meeting portion of the day.
10:30 am: START

10:30 am - 10:45am: Membership Meeting and Elections
All members are invited to attend our Chapter Membership Meeting, which will precede the Seed Exchange. Officer elections will take place during this time. The meeting will be brief.
10:45am - Noon: Seed "Shopping" 
Explore the variety of seeds available for exchange. Bring envelopes to take away seeds you select. Please respect that others are looking for seed too and do not take more than a fair share. If you wish to take a large quantity, wait until the end and you can take whatever is remaining.

How the Exchange Works
Bring your own native harvested seeds to the Seed Exchange and take seeds brought by other enthusiasts. Don't worry if you don't have seeds to trade; you can make a nominal donation in exchange for bringing seeds. Here is a list of the species that we exchanged in recent years. To see some tips on seed collecting go to our Seed Harvest page.

Labeling and Packaging Seeds
Clean your seeds by removing them from stems, leaves, and fluff. Package seeds in envelopes or paper bags, clearly labeling them with Latin and common names, description, color of the flower, time of bloom, plant height, and best planting location.  Print copies of our Seed Labels Template (Microsoft Word Format) or Seed Labels Template (PDF Format) to easily label your seeds. 

Silent Auction
We encourage attendees to contribute to our Silent Auction by donating garden-related items like books, posters, art, garden tools, bird feeders, and more. Items should be in good condition and preferably related to native gardening. You can bring items to bid on, buy, or even give away for free.

Note:  Please DO NOT bring live plants that you have dug up to the exchange!

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.