Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Upcoming Events
October 2025
Seed collection training by Wingspan Collection at Loud Thunder and Prairie Rose Acres evening weiner roast
Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Nature Walk/Hike Free Public Parking
This year Project Wingspan makes it easier for volunteers to get trained, certified, and outdoors collecting seeds! These are usually three-hour events with the first hour focusing on training and certifying volunteers, the remaining hour or two are for seed collecting. I will be conducting these events, training volunteers in BMPs and safe, sound native wildflower seed collection as well as plant ID. After the training, all volunteers will sign hold-harmless waivers and become certified.
Project Wingspan is a multi-year, Midwestern initiative to expand and enhance pollinator habitat with volunteer-collected, local native wildflower seeds. This project is conducted by Pollinator Partnership and funded by a grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Every year, Project Wingspan Illinois awards locally sourced native wildflower seeds and plugs to pollinator habitat programs around Illinois. This year, collection events are scheduled in Illinois City. Events last around three hours with the first hour including training in BMPs, safety, and plant ID. Then Illinois Project Wingspan State Coordinator Eleanor Schumacher leads volunteers in native wildflower seed collection.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th
Loud Thunder Nature Preserve:
When: Saturday, October 11th at 10 am
Where: 19406 Loud Thunder Rd, Illinois City, IL 61259
Details: We’ll meet at the Superintendent’s office
Marilyn Andress’ Prairie Rose Acres:
When: Saturday, October 11th at 2 pm"
Where: 31501 213th Ave W, Illinois City, IL 61259
Joining us for this training will be Amber Andress, who will present information on the ecology and stewardship of the prairie including establishment, and long tern management techniques using prescribed fire.
As we wander through this 21 acre sand prairie planting on the Mississippi River bluff, We will be viewing a 5 acre section planted last December, and compairing that to a 28 year old planting that include sections being converted to scrub oak savanna.
This unique site is also home to the fall blooming, prairie Ladies Tresses orchid that appeared following several years of fire management.
Amber is a Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Illinois - Iowa Ecological Services Field Office, in Moline "
Following seed collection, everyone is invited to join Guardians of the Prairie & Forest and WildOnes of the QC for a social gathering at the fire pit. Hot Dogs, chips, chili, beverage and Smores provided. Not required but you may bring something to share. Please bring your lawn chair.
Details: Sometimes Maps gives wrong directions. Here are directions coming from Illinois.
Take Rt 92 west from Illinois City. Go 4.2 miles to 294th Street West. Turn Right, (north)(Pine Bluff church is on your left), off of Rt 92 onto 294th St W. It will curve and become 113th Ave West. Continue on 113th Ave, go past the "No Outlet" sign and continue to the dead end. Marilyn’s house is on the right.
Important – What to Bring:
Please be sure to bring the necessary gear:
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, perhaps a hat, bring bug spray, water to drink, clippers or scissors, gloves, and several collecting paper bags, small and grocery bag size.
- Please be cautious not to bring weed seeds into sites (they can hitchhike on shoes and clothes).
- Please also be cautious not to leave bags of collected seeds in hot cars.
Contact Illinois Project Wingspan State Coordinator Eleanor Schumacher for more information: [email protected]
ingspan presetation
Tell Me Show Me at Christine Deignan's Home Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Meeting Hands-On/How-To Workshop Home/Private Garden Tour Free Public Parking
Join us to explore Christine's newly installed native plantings. The installation was completed by the fabulous Jon Peters owner of Dig It Native Gardens and Landscaping. All plannts are labeled. A plant list will be available. The project was completed utilizing Davenport's Storm Water 50/50 cost savings program. Information on the progam will be available. Note due to light concerns we will start early.
Free Webinar: "Next Steps for Nature" with Doug Tallamy
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces.
Final Friday at Hauberg
Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Social Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Social Event
November 2025
Annual seed swap, members potluck, & officer election Members Only
Members Only Free Event Chapter Meeting Seed/Plant Share Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity
Fun event!! Annual seed swap and potluck. We will have voting for the officer and board election. Bring a dish to pass, we will eat at 1230. Seed swap will begin at 1:30. Please bring native seeds to share.
Please consider joining the board !! All positions are up for grabs!!
Free Webinar: "Living in the Liberated Landscape" with Larry Weaner
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
December 2025
Free Workshop: "Turn That Patch Into a Plan" with Zoe & Heather Evans
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.
January 2026
Free National Webinar- January 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
February 2026
Special Benefit Webinar with Richard Louv
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Paid Event Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon! This will be a paid webinar with all proceeds supporting the Seeds for Education Program.
March 2026
Free National Webinar- March 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
September 2026
Free National Webinar- September 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2026
Free National Webinar- October 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2026
Free National Webinar- November 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!