Annual Seed Exchange
Saturday November 9th, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora, Il 60542
We held our 2024 annual seed exchange at The Growing Place in Aurora, and it was a wonderful event! The morning began with a brief member meeting, during which we conducted the annual election of our chapter’s president, secretary, and treasurer.
Afterward, attendees moved inside to explore and shop for over 80 species of native plant seeds. A silent auction added to the excitement, featuring some great books and other unique items.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with friends, exchange ideas, and share valuable information about native plants.
A special thank-you goes to The Growing Place for graciously hosting our event in such a beautiful and inspiring setting!
Click here to view pictures from our event.
Here is a list of the species that we exchanged in recent years.
To learn more about collecting seeds visit our Seed Harvest page. To learn more about sowing native plant seeds check out the Prairie Moon Nursery Cultural Guide and Seed Starting Basics which includes germination codes and instructions. The Seed Propagation Information page on the Prairie Nursery site is also a good source for starting seeds. Click here to watch a recording of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Winter Sowing program with Jan Gricus & Cynthia Cieckiewicz hosted by the Lisle Library District.
Fall Colors at Pat Armstrong’s Prairie and Savannah Yard
Saturday, October 19th, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
On a beautiful Saturday October morning, we enjoyed a delightful tour of Pat Armstrong’s prairie and savannah yard and all of its glorious colors. Participants were treated to the sight of eight goldenrod species and eleven varieties of asters adding bursts of yellow and purple. Sumacs and Virginia Creeper painted parts of the yard in shades of scarlet, while hazelnuts offered hues of red and orange. Bright yellow cottonwoods, along with colorful sassafras, sweet gum, and bald cypress trees, added to the visual feast. Even prairie plants, such as geranium and bellwort, contributed to the seasonal palette.
Pat shared her extensive knowledge of native plants, offering insights into how these species support local ecosystems while creating stunning displays throughout the year.
Thank you to Pat for generously opening her yard and to everyone who joined us for this inspiring exploration of native fall beauty!
Click here for pictures from this event.
Birds of Prey
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Lyman Woods Nature Center, 901 31st St, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
In October we gathered at the Lyman Woods Nature Center for a special presentation by Wings and Talons, an organization dedicated to educating the public about native birds of prey and the challenges they face.
The highlight of the evening was meeting several live birds of prey cared for by Wings and Talons. Attendees marveled at the beauty and power of these magnificent creatures while learning about their vital role in our ecosystem. The presenters shared insights into the threats these birds encounter, such as habitat loss and environmental toxins, and offered practical advice on how we can support their survival.
The intimate setting of the Lyman Woods Nature Center made for an engaging and memorable experience. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring evening, and a special thank-you to Wings and Talons for their incredible work in raising awareness about these vital members of our natural world.
Click here for pictures from this event.
Wild Ones Tour & Picnic at Greene Barn and Oak Cottage, Greene Valley Forest Preserve
Saturday, September 21st, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Naperville, IL
On World Gratitude Day, local historian and Wild Ones member Mary Lou Wehrli led an engaging exterior tour of the Greene Homestead, featuring Oak Cottage and the Barn. Beneath the stately bur oaks and walnut trees, attendees listened to stories spanning generations—from the Potawatomi people to the farmers, families, hikers, and bikers who have shaped the history of this cherished landscape. Mary Lou also shared the story of the Hobson Oak, a neighboring tree across Hobson Road that now lives a second life.
Mary Lou encouraged us to support the preservation and public use of Oak Cottage and the Greene Barn. She painted a picture of open doors to Oak Cottage and the Barn and the East Branch of the DuPage River—a native landscape of education, social gatherings, canoes and kayaks, creativity, solar energy, gentle breezes, and hope.
After the tour, we gathered at a picnic shelter in the preserve for a delightful picnic with lunches brought from home.
The pleasant weather set the perfect tone for this thoughtful and inspiring gathering. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable day!
For more information on the Greene Barn and Oak Cottage click here.
Click here for pictures from this event.
Native Garden Design
Thursday, September 19th, 2024 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Glen Ellyn Police Department Community Room, 65 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137
We joined Matt Hokanson of Woods to Wetlands for an informative presentation on Native Garden Design. Matt shared practical advice on planning a garden, selecting native plants, preparing garden spaces for planting, and determining appropriate plant spacing. Matt also provided ideas for pairing native plants to create combinations that work well in various settings, offering useful tips for gardeners looking to incorporate native plants into their landscapes.
The program highlighted how native plants can enhance both the appearance and ecological value of our home gardens. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Matt for sharing his knowledge with us.
Brewster Creek Marsh in Pratt’s Wayne Woods
Saturday, August 17th, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
St. Charles, IL, 60174
The native plant walk at Brewster Creek Marsh in Pratt’s Wayne Woods began with an introduction to the preserve by our guide, Scott Kobal. Scott is the Plant Ecologist with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, where he has been monitoring and assessing Forest Preserve lands and plant communities since 1990. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife management and has been teaching classes on plants and ecology at The Morton Arboretum since 2000.
We then walked the trail to Brewster Creek Marsh, a truly beautiful area. From there, we ventured through the woods and emerged into a vibrant sedge meadow. While the terrain was occasionally challenging due to the uneven sedge roots, the stunning displays of Joe-Pye weed and goldenrod made the effort worthwhile. Following a loop trail around the sedge meadow, we soaked in its rich biodiversity before returning to the woods and concluding our walk with a scenic stroll through a prairie planting.
This event offered a wonderful opportunity to explore the plant communities of Pratt’s Wayne Woods and Brewster Creek Marsh. Scott’s expertise and enthusiasm enriched the experience, even as we braved an unexpected downpour near the end of our hike.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and educational nature walk!
Click here for pictures from this event.
Jan Smith Shows Native Plantings at Windsor Park
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Covenant Living Windsor Park, 124 Windsor Park Dr, Carol Stream, IL, 60188
In July we gathered at Covenant Living at Windsor Park in Carol Stream to visit member Jan Smith’s pollinator gardens. Jan single-handedly created this paradise on her own small budget and earned her garden the Conservation@Home certification from The Conservation Foundation as a recognized haven for wildlife and environmentally conscious landscape.
The morning began at the Lakeside Terrace, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and views of Ashford Pond, home to a swan family. Jan gave an introductory talk about her gardening journey and the importance of supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Afterward, we took a short walk to tour her gardens.
The event highlighted how individual efforts can positively impact the environment and provided inspiration to those who attended. Thank you, Jan, for sharing your garden and your knowledge with us!
Click here for pictures from this event.
Pollinator-Friendly Yards (Part of the DuPage Monarch Project Pollinator Activities)
Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Lombard, IL
On Saturday, June 22nd, we had the pleasure of hosting a Pollinator-Friendly Yards tour as part of the DuPage Monarch Project’s Pollinator Month Activities. This unique event showcased four inspiring properties that prioritized pollinator-friendly practices, providing attendees with creative ideas for incorporating native plants into their own landscapes.
From 1:00 to 3:00 pm, visitors explored three sites in Lombard, each offering a distinct approach to supporting pollinators:
- The first site was a 1-acre property in the second year of an ambitious restoration project focused on pollinator plants and oak trees. The homeowners replaced invasive species with native seeds, plants, and trees, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to natural area restoration.
- The second site, the Shelden Park Historic Homestead, featured gardens designed by the Lombard Garden Club. These beautiful grounds blended history with pollinator-friendly landscaping at “The Oldest Home in Lombard.”
- The third site was a garden in transition, converting turf to native perennial beds. Since 2021, over 600 square feet had been transformed, featuring a thoughtful mix of native and non-native plants, including a newly converted parkway area.
At 3:00 pm, everyone gathered at the final site, the home of Joe and Sue LeCroy which showcased a spectacular yard fully converted from lawn grass. Visitors enjoyed a sensory feast of prairie and savannah plants, rainwater management features, and a pollinator-friendly pond. Monarch butterflies were a key focus here, illustrating how thoughtful landscaping can create a haven for pollinators.
Visitors at each site received raffle tickets for a chance to win native plant plugs, generously donated by Prairie Winds Native Plants. The drawing, held at 4:00 pm, was a fun and fitting way to conclude the afternoon.
Thank you to all the hosts who opened their yards and to everyone who participated in this inspiring event. Together, we are making strides toward more pollinator-friendly communities!
Click here for pictures from this event.
Nature Walk with Pat Armstrong at Knoch Knolls Park
Saturday, May 18th, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
320 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL, 60565
We gathered at Knoch Knolls Park in Naperville for a delightful morning walk led by Pat Armstrong. Named for Judge Win Knoch and his wife Irene, the park spans over 236 acres and offers over five miles of trails, a Nature Center, and numerous interpretive signs that enrich the experience of exploring its natural beauty.
Pat guided us through serene oak-maple forests filled with beautiful wildflowers, sharing her deep knowledge of the local ecology along the way. A highlight of the walk was visiting the Confluence, where the East and West Branches of the DuPage River merge—a significant point in the river’s journey toward the Des Plaines and ultimately the Mississippi River.
Thank you to Pat Armstrong for leading another engaging nature walk and to everyone who joined us for this wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the unique features of Knoch Knolls Park.
Walk with Pat Armstrong at Lyman Woods
Saturday, April 20th, 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Lyman Woods, 901 31st St, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
We had the opportunity to explore two restoration projects at Lyman Woods, guided by Pat Armstrong. These projects, completed by Eagle Scout Shreeman Patel of Troop #10 Hinsdale, showcased dedication, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
The first project, the Pollinator Garden, was built from August to September of 2023, and consists of many different regions aimed at helping all of the pollinators, not just the already popular ones like the butterflies and bees. There is a region for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, moths, and even flies. The “general pollinator” regions also included some plants helpful to bats. The garden helps showcase the importance of these bees in our day-to-day lives, especially the direct impact they have on our food. There are also informative signs placed throughout, letting visitors know which pollinators are being benefitted, and which native flowers are planted in the region. The project took just under 300 labor hours and just under $3,000 to complete. Click here for more information on this project.
The second project is the Pond Restoration Project. Prior to the project, the site suffered from intense soil erosion and water pollution, primarily due to three water pipes feeding into it. These pipes carried phosphorus and other potentially harmful chemicals from nearby residences, especially from the Midwestern University Parking Garage. The pond was surrounded by invasive buckthorn and a bit of invasive honeysuckle. Shreeman’s team worked on removing them, while Lyman Woods sprayed the stumps with herbicide. They created sand filters to improve the water quality entering through the pipes, promoting self-regeneration over time. On one of the final days of the project, Shreeman noticed a slight film on the pond’s surface, along with an algal bloom, leading him to suspect blue-green algae. To be cautious, he and his team removed much of the algal bloom and prescribed long-term barley treatment for the pond to naturally regenerate. Additionally, they installed a solar-powered pond aerator to keep the water moving and prevent further algal blooms, while also improving conditions for wildlife. This project required 290 labor hours. Shreeman spent approximately $600 on the project, with Lyman Woods contributing additional funds for plants and other resources. Click here for more information on this project.
Both projects are excellent examples of how dedicated individuals can make a meaningful impact on local ecosystems. Thank you to Pat for leading the walk and sharing insights into these inspiring restoration efforts.
Click here for pictures from this event.
Potluck Dinner and Periodical Cicadas Presentation
Thursday, April 18th, 2024 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Rd., Naperville, IL, 60563
It was great to gather again for a potluck dinner. Everyone enjoyed catching up and sharing a variety of dishes.
After dinner, Nanette Kalscheur gave an interesting presentation on Periodical Cicadas. She covered their life cycle, the expected timing of their emergence in DuPage County, and tips on how to prepare once they appear. Her talk provided plenty of useful information and sparked some good discussions. Nanette also brought along free native tree and shrub seedlings for attendees.
Overall, it was a great evening of food, learning, and community!
Get Your Questions Answered!
Thursday, March 21, 2024 7:00 pm
Long-time members reviewed the resources available on the Greater DuPage Wild Ones Chapter website, including offering insights into selecting native plants suitable for your yard and identifying reliable sources for purchasing them. Additionally, they addressed questions submitted both prior to and during the meeting, providing valuable guidance and assistance.
Click here to watch a recording of this program.
Controlling Invasive Species
Thursday, February 15, 2024 7:00 pm
Chris Evans, Forestry Extension and Research Specialist at the University of Illinois presented on what makes a species invasive, the challenges posed by invasive plants, common invaders, and effective options for controlling invasive species.
Click here to watch a recording of this program.
Here are some good resources that Chris shared on invasive species in his presentation:
Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Collaborative
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
Management of Invasive Plants and Pests of Illinois
Illinois Invasive Species Council
The Field Museum Field Guide: Selected Plants that Threaten Chicagoland Natural Areas contributed by authors Henrietta T. Saunders and Robert G. Sullivan is also an excellent resource.
More links to resources on invasive plants can be found on the Greater DuPage Wild Ones Invasive Species webpage.
Winter Prairie
Thursday, January 18, 2024 7:00 pm
Cindy Crosby showed us the delights of the tallgrass prairie in winter with her engaging and interactive program. She shared lovely photography showcasing the snow-covered prairie as we listened to stories about how animals, pollinators, and birds utilize the prairie for overwintering. Cindy demonstrated that prairie plants look great in winter, in terms of structure, seeds, and even color. Additionally, she included some prairie readings in her presentation to spark our creativity and warm our souls.
You can learn more about Cindy by visiting her website and reading the DuPage Forest Preserve article on her, titled Woman at Home on the Prairie. Also check out Cindy’s Tuesdays in the Tallgrass blog and her books on the tallgrass prairie, Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit and The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction.