Greater DuPage Chapter Events

Anyone that would like to know what Wild Ones is about is invited to attend a ZOOM meeting that will explain it all. Whether you are considering joining, are a recent member, or you just heard of Wild Ones – this meeting is for you.

We will explain why Native Plants are so important, the role of the national Wild Ones organization, a little history, and a bit about Greater DuPage Wild Ones and our activities.  

You will also learn what you can do to help save our planet.  Wow! And you thought the meeting sounded tame!

A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent out in a newsletter the week of the event. If you have any questions on attending, please contact [email protected].

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

At least two dozen species of milkweed are found locally, and each one can host Monarchs and dozen of other species of insects. In Life on a Milkweed, John Cebula invites you to join him as he investigates the different species. And the native milkweed is a patriot! Find out the important roles it played during World War II.

This event will be hosted on Zoom. A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent out in our newsletter the week of the event. Click here to sign up for our newsletter. If you have any questions on attending, please contact [email protected].

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Join Cindy Crosby as she explores how Illinois' original garden, the tallgrass prairie, has been shaped by bison. Learn how these charismatic megafauna are being restored to Illinois  prairies. Listen to tales of their connections, both historical and  contemporary, to some Native American tribes. Discover the ways bison have been portrayed in music, literature, art and popular culture as you view images of these fascinating creatures.

This event will be hosted on Zoom. A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent out in our newsletter the week of the event. If you have any questions on attending, please contact [email protected]

You are invited to Greater DuPage Wild Ones annual potluck dinner!  This has always been a well-attended gathering and a time for socializing with members and friends.  Please bring a dish to share, drinks for yourself, and your own place serving.  Doors will be open at 5:30pm.  We plan to start eating shortly after 6:00pm.

There will be a brief summary of our plans for the summer, including an upcoming challenge for taking hikes.  Immediately following, will be an entertaining presentation given by Jack Macrae on the History of Garden Gnomes!

No reservations are required, and there is no fee for this event.  Everyone is welcome, including children.  In spite of short notice, we hope you are able to join us for this fun event!

We will have a personal tour of a 3-acre property that teams with spring wildflowers and migrating birds. Visitors can expect to see wild geranium, jack in the pulpit, red and white trillium, toothwort, wild ginger, bladdernut, and majestic oak trees. This property has been placed in a Conservation Easement with the DuPage Forest Preserve District, to be protected in perpetuity.

The event is free, but you must register for either the morning or afternoon.  Group size is limited to 25 attendees per showing. The address will be sent to each registrant.

Please note- the paths on this property are narrow & sloped; please dress appropriately.

Click here to register for the 9:30am showing.

Click here to register for the 1:30pm showing.
 

We will have a personal tour of a 3-acre property that teams with spring wildflowers and migrating birds. Visitors can expect to see wild geranium, jack in the pulpit, red and white trillium, toothwort, wild ginger, bladdernut, and majestic oak trees. This property has been placed in a Conservation Easement with the DuPage Forest Preserve District, to be protected in perpetuity.

The event is free, but you must register for either the morning or afternoon.  Group size is limited to 25 attendees per showing. The address will be sent to each registrant.

Please note- the paths on this property are narrow & sloped; please dress appropriately.

Click here to register for the 9:30am showing.

Click here to register for the 1:30pm showing.

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!