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!

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 

Did you know fall is the perfect time to plant??

Come out to Hauberg this September to see a wonderful selection of native plants & pollinator favorites! Hidden Grove Homestead, Perennial Crops Nursery, Plants for Pollinators & Purple Violet will be selling perennials, trees & shrubs.

Stay tuned for more information and updates by following us on FB or checking out our website at the links below.

We hope to see you there!

Join us for our September monthly program to hear an awesome presentation about invasive species. Speaker Taylor Schneider (she/her), will share all about invasive species in our area, how they can cause damage, and why we should talk about invasive species more!

Taylor Schneider, the Horticulture and Environmental Educator for the City of Davenport Parks & Rec Department, is a Quad Cities native who’s working to bring more natives back to the local landscape! After graduating from Loyola University with a Bachelors in Environmental Science: Conservation and Restoration Ecology, Taylor worked in the field as a Restoration Technician in the Chicagoland area and as an Eco-Ambassador at Illinois Beach State Park—where she got up close and personal with a variety of native and invasive species. From then on, she has been working on ways to help her community understand the importance of local biodiversity and supporting the species that grew up here too.

A Help Me/ Show Me Event is a time for us to get together socially to walk through a garden, give & get advice, check out the native plants, ask questions, and get to know more about native gardening and each other.

Wild Ones hosted a Help/Me Show Me event at the Bryants 1.3 acre Rock Island property in May of 2023. Our members gave them lots of ideas and advice about how to add more native plants and attract pollinators. Since our last visit, Anne and Jay removed sod, created new berms and have planted over 200 native plants, shrubs and trees as they begin to transform their property. Already there are more pollinator insects and bird species visiting, including monarchs!

Come and see their progress!

** This event is on private property. Please RSVP by emailing us at [email protected] with the subject “Bryant RSVP” and we will send you the address and more info.

Join us for a native garden planting day!

We're excited to invite you to help create a wonderful garden at Tapestry Farms in Davenport! We will be planting native species that will provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and support a healthy ecosystem. 

No experience needed- just bring your enthusiasm, gloves and tools if you have them. 

We hope to see you there! It's much more fun to share the work and garden together!

"Tapestry Farms connects refugees and neighbors in a shared hope of joyful, thriving, healthy lives- where every person has access to the resources to live well." Read more at the link below!

Wild Ones will be tabling at this event. Volunteers are needed. 

Table at Butterworth Porch Party

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. 

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, unless otherwise noted. This Sunday will be from 3pm - 5pm.

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!

Final Fridays are HERE!

Come by from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Bring a Chair. If it rains, we will be inside. Look for us around a table.  

Join us at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House on 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 also offers tours every Friday at 3 p.m. if you would like to do that as well! Hope to see you there!

Join us for our October monthly program, all about Seed Collection Tips & Techniques!

Introduction to Seed Collection: Learn about the importance of proper seed collection in preserving plant diversity and ensuring healthy plants. We'll cover the fundamentals and discuss why technique matters.

Best Practices for Seed Collection: Discover the step-by-step process of collecting seeds from various types of plants. We’ll cover timing, tools, and techniques to ensure high-quality seed collection.

Seed Processing and Storage: Understand how to process and store seeds to maintain viability and prevent spoilage. Topics include drying methods, storage containers, and ideal environmental conditions.

Hands-On Demonstration: Observe a live demonstration of seed collection techniques, including proper handling and preparation for storage. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these techniques.

Seed Swap Protocol: See how to package and label your native seeds for the upcoming seed swap. For those attending the swap, materials will be available for you to take home.

Q&A and Discussion: Engage in an interactive discussion to address your specific questions and share experiences with fellow attendees.

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, unless otherwise noted. 

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, unless otherwise noted. 

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!

To members of QC Wild Ones, Guardians of the Prairie & Forest,  and QC Chapter Illinois Native Plant Society 

I'm excited to share that Marilyn Andress, a proud member of Guardians of the Prairie and Forest, a Wild One member of the Quad Cities, an INPS member, and the owner of Prairie Rose Acres in Illinois City, has an exciting invitation for you!

You are invited to the annual fall picnic and seed gathering at Andress Prairie Rose Acres, Illinois City. 

A hayrack will take you to a 15-acre sand/dry-mesic prairie, where we will tour and gather seed. Planted 26 years ago, this is an excellent example of a long-term native plant restoration project.

Marilyn is requesting that a portion of the seed gathered be used on 6 acres adjacent to the existing site, which will be converted from a hay/corn field to a sand prairie. 

You can take seeds for your projects and the seed swap in November. It's a good seed year, and there is plenty for everyone. 

Following seed gathering, we will return to the Andress patio overlooking the Mississippi River for fun, food, and conversation. 

Save the Date, Oct 18th!
 

seed gathering starts at 3:30, and potluck dinner begins at 5:30 

Hot Dogs, buns, and condiments provided. 

Bring a Potluck item to share

 &  a chair. Join anytime!

Families are welcome to come.  

Anyone wanting to camp can set up at Prairie Rose Acres Bluff. 

Don't forget to bring gloves and paper bags/envelopes to collect your seed! 

R.S.V.P to  Wild Ones Quad Cities email [email protected]

Once you're registered, we will send you the directions, etc.
 

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! 

It is the Final Friday of October!

Our Final Fridays are from April to October ( depending on the weather). 

We like to sit outside! If the weather is warm enough for us to sit outside, let's meet on October 25th. It will be our Final Friday for 2024.

Don't forget a jacket, it is Fall!

Come by from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Bring a Chair. If it rains, we will be inside. 

Join us at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House on 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 also offers tours every Friday at 3 p.m. if you would like to do that too! Hope to see you there!

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, unless otherwise noted. 

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!

Get ready to exchange your favorite native seeds with fellow gardeners and plant enthusiasts! Join us for a fun afternoon of swapping seeds and connecting with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their garden with native plants.

The Seed Swap event is one of the perks of being a member of Wild Ones QC! If you are not yet a member, this is a great time to join. Our Seed Swap will include food & drinks, germination information, experts ready to answer your questions, fun table activities, and of course, NATIVE SEEDS! You are welcome to participate even if you don't have any seeds to swap. We will have plenty to share. See you there!

You must RSVP by "purchasing" your free ticket on Eventbrite. You must be a member to attend. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-native-seed-swap-tickets-1022919669267

If you know the species of seeds you will be bringing, please include a note at checkout letting us know. We hope to have a seed inventory, as well as labels printed with all of the plant information. All seeds must be straight native species. No cultivars or non-natives.

Link to join Wild Ones QC: https://quadcities.wildones.org/wild-ones-quad-cities-chapter/join/

Our November program will begin with our Annual Officer Election, to be followed by a TBD speaker presentation!

Come ready to vote, have a short discussion about Chair positions we would like to fill (with your help!), and enjoy another wonderful native plant conversation.

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 evening and every fourth Sunday morning each month, unless otherwise noted. 

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!

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

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, unless otherwise noted. 

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!

Member Holiday Potluck!

Bring what you would like to share! Bring any dish, side, dessert or appetizer that you would like to share. 

Please bring your own water container/ mug to enjoy hot/cold drinks. 

See you Dec 10th at 6 pm!

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.