From West Cook Wild Ones

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

From West Cook Wild Ones

Please join West Cook Wild Ones on Zoom for "Gardening for Hummingbirds" with Pam Karlson, artist, garden designer and educator on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).

One of the summer’s delights is visits from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Learn about these special guests and how to attract them to gardens during their warm season residency. This presentation features Pam’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos taken in the Chicago bird garden she created. Migration, plant selection, eco-friendly gardening practices, nesting, supplemental feeding, and community science will be discussed. 

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Discover the beauty, versatility and dependability of native plants. Tour 9 colorful, life-filled gardens in Berwyn and Oak Park, Illinois, during our annual Birds, Bees & Butterflies Native Garden Tour July 27, 2024 from 1 to 5 p.m.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Meet passionate and knowledgeable home gardeners who have been experimenting with and observing native plants for many years. They’ll guide you through their gardens and answer your specific questions about native gardening.

You’ll learn about sustainable landscaping and rain gardens, and how they can reduce backyard flooding.
You'll get to see gardeners' favorite native plants and hear how they change throughout the seasons.

You’ll explore small gardens and large gardens, manicured looks and more carefree ones, and newly planted and mature established landscapes.

Whether you’re a beginning gardener or have more soil between your toes than you care to reveal, you’ll walk away with practical, hands-on tips you can apply to your own yard.

REGISTER HERE.

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

This program is great for beginners who want to learn about building a birding kit, techniques and finding resources.

Registration Required: Register at https://fpdcc.com/event/be-a-better-birder-getting-started-4/

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

In Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse award-winning entomologist and conservationist Dave Goulson, drawing on thirty years of research, examines the evidence of an alarming drop in insect numbers around the world, which could cause an ecological disaster. The book ends with practical advice and actions to avert the insect apocalypse.

REGISTER HERE

Please join OPA for an eye-opening discussion with "We're all Plastic People Now" screening at Sulzer Regional Library!

Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue. Chicago, IL 60625

Introduced by actor and environmentalist Ted Danson, the documentary film We're All Plastic People Now investigates the hidden story of plastic and its effects on human health.

From One Earth Local:

"Farming While Black” is a feature-length documentary film which examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

GET FREE TICKETS HERE

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

In The Overstory by Richard Powers, an air force loadmaster in the Vietnam War is shot out of the sky, then saved by falling into a banyan. An artist inherits a hundred years of photographic portraits, all of the same doomed American chestnut. A hard-partying undergraduate in the late 1980s electrocutes herself, dies, and is sent back to life by creatures of air and light. A hearing-and speech-impaired scientist discovers that trees are communicating with one another. These four, and five other strangers—each summoned in different ways by trees—are brought together in a last and violent stand to save the continent's few remaining acres of virgin forest.

REGISTER HERE

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.

Registration Required

If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Find out how to turn your parkway/hellstrip, also known as that dried out, compacted narrow bit of land between the sidewalk and the road into a gardening opportunity! Two experienced native plant gardeners will give you a virtual guided tour of their stunning parkway gardens and share tips, challenges and successes in turning this challenging area into habitat.

Register for this online event.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join a lively discussion of '“An Immense World” by Ed Yong, about animal senses. In partnership with Forest Park Public Library. Ages 18  & up.  

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/ET19A1pFf6iydW5Q9.
Zoom Presentation

From West Cook Wild Ones: 2024 will be a unique year as the 17-year periodical cicada will be emerging throughout northern Illinois. This is a short, but very interesting entomological event worth enjoying. In this presentation we will discuss the fascinating biology and feeding habits of the periodical cicada, egg laying preferences, susceptible woody plant species, and potential for damage to young trees and shrubs, and natural pruning of mature trees. Practical management methods will be presented for both members of the green industry and homeowners.

Get Tickets: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/the-periodical-cicada-coming-to-a-neighborhood-near-you

From Oak Park Public Library:

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History”. Listen to stories of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.”

From One Earth Film Fest:

This year’s total eclipse will go through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Learn more here: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/GcRGRXxaoJYTeW6n9.

Zoom Presentation

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held the last Wednesday of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

Islands of Abandonment: nature rebounding in the post-human landscape by Cal Flyn explores the places where nature is flourishing in our absence. Flyn visits the eeriest and most desolate places on Earth that due to war, disaster, disease, or economic decay, have been abandoned by humans. What she finds every time is an "island" of teeming new life: nature has rushed in to fill the void faster and more thoroughly than even the most hopeful projections of scientists. The book is a tour through these new ecosystems, in all their glory, as sites of unexpected environmental significance, where the natural world has reasserted its wild power and promise.

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/earth-lounge-environmental-book-club-islands-abandonment-60941

From Oak Park Public Library:

Plant Swaps are for everyone of all ages! This event encourages plant lovers to come together and trade pest- free plants of all kinds, which can include: Houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, seedlings, starters, succulents, air plants, wildflowers, annual or perennial, etc. No money is exchanged and it is a great way for beginners and expert gardeners to clean out or add variety to their collections. Drop in any time between 1pm - 3pm to give some plants and get some plants. 

From Oak Park Public Library:

There are simple things we can all do to make our homes and planet healthier. Come learn how to properly recycle household hazardous waste materials and make your own green cleaning alternatives that are safer for both humans and the environment. After a brief presentation and Q&A with the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability's Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Carney there will be an opportunity for participants to make their own green cleaning mix to bring home just in time for Spring Cleaning!

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/sustainability-home-green-cleaning-63106

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "Growing Native Plants in Pots in Urban Landscapes" with Dr. Jeremie Fant, of Chicago Botanic Garden on Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. (Central Time).

Ever wondered about using native plants in containers? Urban botanist, Dr. Jeremie Fant has! He has been experimenting for 15 years with growing and overwintering native plants in containers on his Chicago balcony. Dr. Fant will share his experiences and techniques with us.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Fant is Director of Conservation at Chicago Botanic Garden and also an avid urban gardener who has been growing natives in containers for over 15 years. Dr. Fant is a molecular ecologist using genetic tools to study ecological questions. His lab studies genetics of rare plants, how pollinators drive plant genetics, restoration genetics and the role of botanic gardens in restoration. He got his Ph. D. from the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge (UK). After obtaining his doctorate, Dr. Fant worked in the Conner Lab at Kellogg Biological Station at Michigan State University.

Register here: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/containergardensnativeplantsinurbanlandscapes

From the Nature, Culture, and Human Health Network:

• Learn about Rep. Sonya Harper's leadership with the Outdoor Rx Act

• Deepen your understanding of IDEAS* Nature Spaces with regional Models of Excellence and how to bring nature into communities

• Discuss nature-based workforce development and volunteer certifications

• Bird walk and sunrise nature meditation at 7:30 a.m.

• $35 registration fee, with scholarships at checkout

• Register Here

From First United Church of Oak Park:

First United Church of Oak Park invites the public to hear Chicago area environmental leaders such as Naomi Davis of Blacks in Green and Pamela Tate of Climate Reality Project at “Environmental Stewardship/Environmental Justice.” This series will take place in person from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. over the next five Sundays beginning March 3 (and excluding March 31), at 848 Lake St., in Oak Park. Topics include biodiversity, environmental justice, waste, plus local Chicago and Oak Park-vicinity conditions and initiatives. No advance registration is needed. Simply show up each Sunday at First United Church of Oak Park.

Speakers March 3
Engaging Communities for Urban Stewardship
Trinity Pierce, Stewardship Manager, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Wolf Road Prairie
Wild City; Human Ecosystem
Wyatt Widmer, Steward, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Wolf Road Prairie

From Oak Park Public Library:

The documentary The March of the Penguins will be the feature for the theme of water. (80 minutes) (2005)

In the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins to find the perfect mate and start a family. This courtship will begin with a long journey—a journey that will take them hundreds of miles across the continent by foot, one by one in a single file. They will endure freezing temperatures, in brittle, icy winds and through deep, treacherous waters. They will risk starvation and attack by dangerous predators, under the harshest conditions on earth, all to find true love.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/february-films-earth-love-four-elements-water-march-penguins-63027

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn about the many benefits to you and to the environment of gardening using native plants in a Conservation@Home Zoom presentation. Get your questions ready.

Registration Required: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn the basics of bird identification, including the lingo birders use to describe birds and how to identify birds using size and shape.

Registration Required at https://babb2024-3.eventbrite.com/

From Oak Park Public Library:

The documentary The Biggest Little Farm will be the feature for the theme of Earth. (92 minutes) (2019)

Filmmaker and novice farmer John Chester chronicles the eight-year quest he and Molly Chester went on when they traded city living for 200 acres of barren farmland in the foothills of Ventura County and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature in this heartwarming film. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature's conflicts, the Chester's unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imagination.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/february-films-earth-love-four-elements-earth-biggest-little-farm-63026

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails" with Cindy Crosby, author, educator and speaker extraordinaire on Sunday February 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).

Hear the story of 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. Then, delight in discovering the ways bison have been portrayed in music, literature, art and popular culture as you view beautiful images of these fascinating creatures.

This presentation will not be recorded. Please register only if you can attend the live Zoom session on Sunday, February 18.

Speaker Bio:

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History” (Northwestern University Press, 2020). Her recent full-color book of photographs and essays is “Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit” with co-author Thomas Dean (2019). She is also the author of “The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction” (Northwestern University Press, 2017).

Cindy earned her master’s degree in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is a Master Gardener, a steward for the Schulenberg Prairie at The Morton Arboretum and at Nachusa Grasslands, a NatureConservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, IL. When she's not working in her garden, she speaks and teaches on natural history topics in the Chicago region. Cindy blogs each week at Tuesdays in the Tallgrass on Wordpress, and you can find her classes and events at www.cindycrosby.com.

Register here: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/bison-tales-and-tallgrass-trails-08c7d2154cc9

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Discover how to make your yard and home bird friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.

Registration Required: Register at https://babb2024-2.eventbrite.com

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join other adults for a lively discussion of this fascinating bestselling book. This evening program will be held at our partner’s facility, the Forest Park Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Register: https://fppl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=20988

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in the next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson.

Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change. Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening’s positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Lorraine Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. She is a community activist and advocates for protecting, supporting, and growing the urban forest. Johnson is a former president of the North American Native Plant Society and served on the national board of Wild Ones.

Johnson is the author or editor of 14 books, including City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing and Tending the Earth: A Gardener’s Manifesto. Her most recent book was coauthored by Sheila Colla, A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators.

Through her books, articles, presentations, and community projects, she strives to advance the understanding that everything and everyone is connected and that, through our actions, we all have a role to play in making this world a better place for all life. 

Register here: https://wildones.org/webinar-cultivating-change-with-lorraine-johnson-on-january-25th-at-6-pm-cst/