McDowell Grove Forest Preserve by Patricia Hayden The main entrance to McDowell Grove is on the east side of Raymond Drive approximately 0.25 miles south of Diehl Road. The parking lot has ample parking as well as a portable washroom. I parked by the “Information” sign which informed me this area is a coyote habitat. […] Continue reading "Take a Hike October 2025: McDowell Grove Forest Preserve"
This month I visited the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. This site has several bodies of water and multiple trails to explore. Continue reading "Take a Hike September 2025: Herrick Lake Forest Preserve"
Address: 3S124 Pattermann Rd., Warrenville, IL When our hosts moved to their 0.8-acre lot in 2000, it was overrun with canary grass, buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard. They spent years pulling weeds and planting native bushes, trees, and perennials. What truly made a difference were the seeds from the Wild Ones Seed Exchange and the treasures […] Continue reading "August 9, 2025 Member Yard Tour in Warrenville"
This month I visited the Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. This site has two lakes as well as an off-leash dog area. Continue reading "Take a Hike August 2025: Mayslake Forest Preserve"
Two yards will be open for you to visit between 10 am and Noon. Visit them in either order: Yard A: 26w288 Grand Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 Step into a garden where beauty, sustainability, and innovation grow side by side. A living example of how a yard can be both productive and regenerative while remaining […] Continue reading "July 19th Yard Tours"
This month I revisited Pioneer Park Forest Preserve in Naperville. This is the site I visited last month and declared “I will plan to return to the site in the future and head left on the trail to see those sites” and that is what I did! Continue reading "Take a Hike July 2025: Return to Pioneer Park Forest Preserve"
Join us for two distinct native garden experiences on June 14th. Attend one or both! Yard Tour One: 9:30 am – 970 Sylvan Circle, Naperville, IL A trip to Mel and Carolyn Finzer’s 1-acre yard promises to be a colorful, whimsical, enchanting, and eclectic adventure filled with trails leading you to a Fairie Garden/ Acorn […] Continue reading "June 14th Yard Tours"
This month I visited the Pioneer Park Forest Preserve in Naperville. This site is an 18-acre floodplain forest along the West Branch of the DuPage River. Continue reading "Take a Hike June 2025: Pioneer Park Forest Preserve"
This month I visited the Goodrich Woods Forest Preserve in Naperville. In pre-settlement times, the preserve contained open woodlands with meadows along today's Hobson Road. There is one main trail at this location. Continue reading "Take a Hike May 2025: Goodrich Woods Forest Preserve"
Click here to watch the recording of John Cebula’s presentation, Life on a Milkweed, from our February 20, 2025, program. Continue reading "Life on a Milkweed – Recording Available"
Our Native Plants Sale page has been updated with 2025 native plant sale dates. We’ll continue adding more as they become available, so check back often for updates. Also, visit our Native Plant Nurseries page to find places to buy true native plants. Continue reading "2025 Native Plant Sales"
Introduction to Wild Ones Click here to watch the recording of our January 16, 2025 Introduction to Wild Ones program and learn more about both the national Wild Ones organization and the Greater DuPage Chapter. Continue reading "Introduction to Wild Ones – Recording Now Available"