Chapter Calendar

Due to storm will reschedule this for Tuesday Feb 13th- see you then!

Wild Ones End of Year Wrap-Up! 

Join us to learn about what we did in 2023! 

A program about our Wild One's Quad Cities Chapter

Meet your New Officers and Chairs, too.

If you are curious about joining, this would be a fun 

program to stop by and find out what we do!

https://nahantmarsh.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nahantmarsh/event.jsp?event=5693

Hello Wild Ones-

This might be a fun workshop for you, especially if you want to get out and 

engage with other plant enthusiasts!

This hands-on workshop will be held at Nahant Marsh Education Center on Saturday, January 20th, 10 am-11 am. 

Instructor- Linda Prior 

follow the link to Nahant Marsh and register for Winter Sowing!

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. 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. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Please meet us at the Carriage House on the Rock Island Hauberg Estate on the LAST Friday of the MONTH, Jan 26th. Look for us at a table in the carriage house—even curious non-members who would like to join stop by and chat. All are welcome! Bring a friend. 

We will meet here at 5 pm, and they close at 7 pm. 

A few members were asking at our Potluck in December when we would meet again at the Carriage House on the Hauberg Estate. We are meeting each month!

We have placed the Hauberg Estate Carriage House Dates from their Facebook in our link. 

The Wild Ones Quad Cities Chapter would like to have our Last Friday of the Month social get-together at this location. Jens Jenson designed this estate's grounds. Always check our Facebook site or Website Calendar to see if we meet each month or for cancellations due to weather or other causes. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/325484283662603/325484290329269/?ref=newsfeed.

 We have included another link to more information on Jens Jenson at the Hauberg site. He was a significant influence on the Native Plant movement in America. He was one of the first! His work is seen everywhere. We are fortunate to have one in our Quad City Area. 

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/2024-home-gardening-webinar-series

https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/2024-01/nursery_school_2024_brochure.pdf

This is a great event, and they have interesting classes for Native Gardeners. 

Check it out!

FREE! Winter Gardening Webinars for  Winter 2024 

provided by the University of Illinois Extension

Native Seed Starting for Spring Planting- January 23 at 1:30 pm 

"Native Plants are adapted to grow and survive in all types of Illinois weather; knowing how they grow will help you learn how to start native seeds for your own garden. Winter Sowing is a technique used to save money and easily grow your own plants. Learn techniques to grow even some of the trickiest plants with limited space and no specialized equipment." 

by Jamie Viebach, Horticulture Educator  

Check out the other topics 

* Insects to know: Spotted Lanternfly and Periodical Cicadas  February 13, 1:30 PM

by Kacie Athey, assistant professor and Extension specialist 

*Rain Garden Essential: Design, Build, Plant March 5 at 1:PM

register at the link on their webpage! FREE!!

A program will be presented about what our Chapter did in 2023! 

Meet your NEW officers and hear about what 

we hope to accomplish in 2024! 

We canceled this program on Jan 9th due to a snowstorm. We hope you will join us—on Feb 13th at the Ben Butterworth Education Center. 

If you were thinking about joining, this is a program you might like to attend

https://www.facebook.com/events/1619013402238408/?ref=newsfeed

Check this out on Zoom for March!

March 7, 14th, and 21st. Please check it out! 

https://davenportlibrary.libcal.com/event/11527628

Ken Wellnitz will share his love of Native Plant gardening at the 

Eastern Davenport Library March 9th. 

March Members Program 

Save the Date!! March 12th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 

 Short Video on Native Plants & Native Insects ( 15 minutes).

Discussion to follow, and some more talk about Plants! Hope you join us.  

New Members or curious people wanting to check out Wild One's Quad Cities are welcome, too.

Join Bi-CAN (Bi-State Conservation Action Network) for learning with great local presenters. (Here are the next two sessions in the three-part series.)

March 14, 2024, 12:00 noon -1:00 p.m.: Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist presents the weather has changed over the last 30-40 years in Illinois and the Midwest. He will discuss what these changes have been, what’s expected in the future, and the effects on ecosystems.

March 21, 2024, 12:00 noon -1:00 p.m.: Nina Struss, River Health & Resiliency Organizer, Prairie Rivers Network - Quad Cities Climate Assessment: Nina will share highlights of the Quad Cities Climate Assessment, the region’s first effort to identify environmental factors that threaten the vulnerable people in Rock Island (IL), Moline (IL), East Moline (IL), Davenport (IA), and Bettendorf (IA). With nature-based solutions and strong local commitment, the plan promises to bolster the Quad Cities’ resilience in the face of climate change.

https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-03-14-bi-can-presents-climate-conversations-adapting-new-normal-series
Recordings will be sent out to registered participants.

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Join Bi-CAN (Bi-State Conservation Action Network) for learning with great local presenters. 

March 21, 2024, 12:00 noon -1:00 p.m.: Nina Struss, River Health & Resiliency Organizer, Prairie Rivers Network - Quad Cities Climate Assessment: Nina will share highlights of the Quad Cities Climate Assessment, the region’s first effort to identify environmental factors that threaten the vulnerable people in Rock Island (IL), Moline (IL), East Moline (IL), Davenport (IA), and Bettendorf (IA). With nature-based solutions and strong local commitment, the plan promises to bolster the Quad Cities’ resilience in the face of climate change.

https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-03-14-bi-can-presents-climate-conversations-adapting-new-normal-series

Recordings will be sent out to registered participants.

https://www.rockislandlibrary.org/event/native-plant-gardening-your-yard-19694

Ken Wellnitz will present a lecture at the Watts Library 

Native Plant Gardening in Your Yard 

Ken is a Wild Ones Member, and if you want to learn more, please stop by! 

PLEASE NOTE: The linked map may be showing another building in Black Hawk Park. Disregard that and go to the Singing Bird Nature Center! Exact coordinates, a google map pin, and a park map are all listed below.

Join us for our April Monthly Program!

Breathe in the fresh spring air and come along as Rob Liva leads us on a woodland wildflower tour through Black Hawk State Park. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water and your camera to capture all our native plant finds!

Meet at the Singing Bird Nature Center parking lot at 5:30 pm, located in Rock Island, inside Black Hawk Park. 

The exact park location of the Singing Bird Nature Center parking lot is:

41.4674245, -90.5770045

https://goo.gl/maps/g86vA3A92r8jcFWC9

We look forward to connecting with nature, and YOU! Bring a friend, bring your kids, all are welcome. See you there!

Park map here: https://blackhawkpark.org/docs/ParkMap.pdf

Mark your calendars for Plants, Paths & Pizza 2024! 

Join us April 19 at Western Illinois campus in Moline for a panel discussion, breakout sessions, garden tour, therapy dogs, and of course- pizza! We look forward to seeing you there!

Some fun new learning opportunities were added this year. Bring a friend. It is FREE!

Join us to learn about the connection between wellness and nature, network with local green organizations, and visit with others that love nature! 

The full schedule of events is linked below. 

Please join Ken Wellnitz for an engaging presentation about the beauty & benefits of native gardening! Discover how native plants can enhance biodiversity, support local wildlife, and create sustainable landscapes. Ken will surely inspire you to incorporate native plants into your garden and create a vibrant ecosystem right in your backyard.

A continental breakfast will be served. Please bring a travel coffee mug if you have one. 

Gather with us on Friday, May 3rd as Rob Liva leads an easy access wildflowers hangout at Illiniwek. We plan to stay within close range to the parking area and will not be walking far or up the steep slopes. 

This is intended as a highly accessible wildflower social. Bring your curiosity and passion for the great outdoors as we soak up some nature together on a beautiful spring morning!

We are meeting in the southwest parking lot, along the wood line on the inland side of the park. 

(41.5622705, -90.4013306)

Join us and Bi-CAN for the annual garlic mustard pull challenge!

See the Facebook Event

Grab your friends and spend the morning with fellow community members out in the field, pulling and bagging invasive garlic mustard from our precious parks and natural areas!

After pulling, join us at Duck Creek Park Shelter #2 at noon to enjoy a complimentary lunch and to celebrate the winning team!

Details and sign-up can be found at https://xstreamcleanup.org/upcoming-events

Calling all gardeners and those new to gardening with native plants! 

Unlock the secrets of native plant gardening with our Wild Ones class “Let’s Get Our Native Plants in the Ground- Tips for Success!” Find out how simple and beautiful it can be to cultivate a thriving ecosystem right in your own yard. 

Everyone attending the class will receive a certificate for a free plant to use at the Hauberg Native Plant Sale, May 18th & 19th, complements of Guardians of the Prairie and Forest. 

Don't miss out - RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your spot now!

Plant Sale info and to purchase a Wild Ones presale flat of 16 plants: https://quadcities.wildones.org/hauberg-estate-native-plant-sale/

Come meet with us to tour and evaluate a native planting that our group completed in the fall of 2022. 

Paul Crosser will lead us through the area to identify and check up on the plants, find plants that did not thrive and discuss replacements that will work better for the site, and possibly to relocate some volunteer seedlings. 

This event is located on private property and therefore will be for members only. Please contact Paul if you would like more information at 563-607-0048, and RSVP to us at [email protected] to let us know you’re coming!

The planting site is near the intersection of 4th Avenue and 41st Street in Moline. Park in the lot next to the blue metal building.

https://quadcities.wildones.org/volunteer/

We need volunteers!! 

Here is the schedule for volunteers needed for May 16- 19.  

Volunteering from May 16th to May 19th allows you to shop on Friday before the plant sale opens to the public.   A bonus! Plus, it is a fun event.

Here are the open slots and how many people we need to volunteer. 

Thursday, May 16th, 5 pm - 6:30 pm? ( 3 people) unload & unbox                                               

Friday, May 17th, 12 pm - 4 pm Plant sale set-up ( 3 people)

                              3:00-4 pm ( 3 people) Set up pre-sold flats

Saturday, May 18th, 8:15-11:00 pm ( 3 people) 

                                11:00 pm - 2:00 pm ( 3 people) 

                                 2 pm-5 pm ( 3 people) 

Sunday, May 19th 10-1 pm ( 3 people) 

                             1-4 pm ( 3 people)

A hospitality room with snacks and beverages will be available for those volunteering for the plant sale on any shift.

Please sign up early! email--Robbie Palm at [email protected] 

or email our [email protected]

You're invited to the May Conservation Quarterly, all about invasive species and why should we care about them? Our speaker Taylor Schneider (she/her) is the Horticulture and Environmental Educator for the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation Department and will share all about invasive species in our area, how they can cause damage, and why we should talk about invasive species more!

Attend in person at the Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch - Room B or tune in via Zoom. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees with a $5 suggested donation.

Kick off summer with the Rock Island Public Library with games, activitites, and more. The Mobile Library 2Go will be there, along with the summer reading registration. Wild Ones will be hosting an activity table to share the love of native plants and insects with art activities and photo booth props, to "become" a native flower, of course!

This will be a great family friendly event!

There will be ice cream treats while they last, thanks for Gas and Electric Credit Union sponsorship! Presented in partnership with the Quad City Botanical Center. Free, all ages! 

Final Fridays are BACK!

Join us at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House the final Friday of each month from May - October for a casual gathering of native plant enthusiasts!

Bring a chair, enjoy the conversation, stroll the gardens, and enjoy The Carriage House Bar and Gift Shop. Hope to see you there!

https://haubergestate.org/carrage-house 

Our friends with the QC Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society will be visiting a Clinton County, IA prairie remnant, which was discovered by their vice president, Bob Bryant. The site has been designated an Iowa State Preserve and represents one of the best examples of dry limestone prairie in all of Iowa.

Please meet at the Manikowski Prarie, near Goose Lake, Iowa. Exact meeting point is: (41.9786714, -90.3784979) https://maps.app.goo.gl/fXWaV682c4eEfbry9?g_st=ic

After the hike, we will visit the nearby town of Goose Lake for food and drink. Please be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, and RSVP if you plan to attend.

Hello Wild Ones! 

Do you want to learn more about Fireflies? 

Join Benton County Conservationist Naturalist Faith Hunt to learn more about some of the most unique bioluminescent insects-Fireflies!

July 5th! 

8am-9am 

Check it out!  Admission $5.00

Wild Ones- Check out this lecture on Pollinators!

Becki Wells from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation will be giving a presentation on the importance of 

pollinators. 

Gather with us for our monthly program on Tuesday, June 11 as Carolina leads us on a guided nature walk through the Illiniwek Prairie in Hampton, IL. 

We will meet in the parking lot at the MTB Trailhead, located when you turn onto 12th St from highway 84. 

This is an easy access, family friendly trail. Bring your kids! Dogs on leash are welcome.

Calling all citizen scientists!

Put your species identification skills to the test and help us find as many species as possible during this 24-hour BioBlitz event! Partner with an expert to learn local flora and fauna. There will be free public activities like guided hikes, nature talks, interactive nature stations, and more!

Wild Ones will be hosting an activity table for kids on Saturday from 10am - 1pm!

Public programs tentatively begin at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 21st and 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 22nd.

Follow Bi-CAN on Facebook to get updates on programs! The full schedule will be coming soon. See the link for details.

If you would like to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DAFAF22A5FCC34-49611241-bioblitz#/

Final Fridays are BACK!

Join us at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House the final Friday of each month from now through October for a casual gathering of native plant enthusiasts!

Bring a chair, enjoy the conversation, stroll the gardens, and head over to The Carriage House Bar and Gift Shop. Hope to see you there!

https://haubergestate.org/carrage-house 

Join members of the Illinois Native Plant Society for a tour of Nachusa Grasslands near Dixon, IL on Saturday, July 20 at 10:00. We will meet at the Scott County Extension Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf at 8:30 and carpool to the site or you can drive yourself.  Please put in the comments during registration if you are going to carpool and if you'd be willing to drive.

If you haven't gotten enough sun yet, there is an optional public bison tour from 1:30-3:30. 10 spots have been reserved, so please put in the comments or contact Jolinda Eggers directly if you would like to participate. [email protected]

Registration is required. Please see the link below.

An email with more details will be sent a couple of days beforehand.

Tour is free, but the INPS asks for a donation, or even membership!

Head over to the Rock Island Public Library on Tuesday, July 23rd, to discover the fascinating world of North America's diverse bee species. Led by a local naturalist from Nahant Marsh, participants will explore the life cycles, nesting habits, and identification of native bees while learning how to attract them to their yards with common native plants.

Join Wild Ones as we explore a roadside prairie in Scott County, Iowa!

We will be led by Brian Burkholder, with Scott County Secondary Roads Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM). Brian will show us his work along highway Y48 near West Lake Park. Come ready to roam over uneven terrain and inclines as we walk & talk and learn from Brian!

You may park at the Railroad Lake Recyclables Center, 110th Avenue, or along the wide shoulder of Y48. 

Final Fridays are HERE!

Join us at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House the final Friday of each month from now through October for a casual gathering of native plant enthusiasts!

Bring a chair, enjoy the conversation, stroll the gardens, and head over to The Carriage House Bar and Gift Shop. The Hauberg Mansion is also offering tours every Friday at 3pm if you would like to do that as well! Hope to see you there!

https://haubergestate.org/carrage-house 

Join us for a twice-monthly stewardship workday at Collinson Ecological Preserve in partnership with the QC Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society and Augustana College. Activities change with the season and needs of the preserve’s natural communities, but you can expect to participate in native seed collection and dispersal, invasive species removal, brush cutting and burning, and more. Come lend a hand and experience the magic of engaging with our local ecology!

Workdays will happen every second Wednesday from 5-7pm and every fourth Sunday from 10am-Noon each month.

We will meet at the parking area located at
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCdzAp6X8AdLDAze7
41.436870, -90.552758

If the lot is full when you arrive, please pull all the way down the driveway and park in front of the garage.
Please make sure to wear long pants, bring bug spray, sun protection, water, and any other items you will need to be comfortable outdoors. All tools and equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! We will do our best to announce the focus activities for each workday ahead of time.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected]. Let us know if you have any questions and hope to see you at the preserve!

Join us for a twice-monthly stewardship workday at Collinson Ecological Preserve in partnership with the QC Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society and Augustana College. Activities change with the season and needs of the preserve’s natural communities, but you can expect to participate in native seed collection and dispersal, invasive species removal, brush cutting and burning, and more. Come lend a hand and experience the magic of engaging with our local ecology!

Workdays will happen every second Wednesday from 5-7pm and every fourth Sunday from 10am-Noon each month.

We will meet at the parking area located at
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCdzAp6X8AdLDAze7
41.436870, -90.552758

If the lot is full when you arrive, please pull all the way down the driveway and park in front of the garage.
Please make sure to wear long pants, bring bug spray, sun protection, water, and any other items you will need to be comfortable outdoors. All tools and equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! We will do our best to announce the focus activities for each workday ahead of time.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected]. Let us know if you have any questions and hope to see you at the preserve!

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.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

Join us for a twice-monthly stewardship workday at Collinson Ecological Preserve in partnership with the QC Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society and Augustana College. Activities change with the season and needs of the preserve’s natural communities, but you can expect to participate in native seed collection and dispersal, invasive species removal, brush cutting and burning, and more. Come lend a hand and experience the magic of engaging with our local ecology!

Workdays will happen every second Wednesday from 5-7pm and every fourth Sunday from 10am-Noon each month.

We will meet at the parking area located at
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCdzAp6X8AdLDAze7
41.436870, -90.552758

If the lot is full when you arrive, please pull all the way down the driveway and park in front of the garage.
Please make sure to wear long pants, bring bug spray, sun protection, water, and any other items you will need to be comfortable outdoors. All tools and equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! We will do our best to announce the focus activities for each workday ahead of time.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected]. Let us know if you have any questions and hope to see you at the preserve!

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot!