To help keep everyone connected and informed, Wild Ones Quad Cities will now send most chapter updates in a monthly newsletter format. We’ll reserve one-off emails for timely or important updates, such as event changes, reminders, or volunteer opportunities.
Our goal is simple: keep you informed while keeping your inbox free from clutter!
Please send inquiries to [email protected].
Now, on to the news!
Monthly Meeting
Trees by Emily Swihart
Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Milan Extension Office, 2nd St, IL, 61264 Map
TREE CSI: QUAD CITIES — WE NEED YOUR CASE FILES!
The scene: your backyard.
The suspect: that tree you’ve been side-eyeing for the last six months.
The evidence: strange bark, dead branches, mystery holes, odd growth, questionable placement, or something you simply cannot explain.
Send us your photos and tree questions! [email protected]
We’re gathering real-life tree mysteries to help focus an upcoming presentation on the issues our members are actually seeing.
Have multiple problems? Even better. Some of us could apparently submit an entire season of episodes from one yard. 
And yes, shrubs will get their own investigation at an early spring meeting.
Drop your tree case files in the comments and help us solve some botanical mysteries! Replies close at 4 pm Monday 9/7/26.
Want to hear what to do about your crime scene?
Send photos with issue desciption to [email protected] so the crime scenes can be reported to our presenter easily.
🌱 New Native Plant Resources Are Here!
Planning a native garden can involve a lot of questions. Is this plant truly native to our area? Will it work in my yard? Should I use plugs or seed? Where can I buy native plants locally?
Wild Ones Quad Cities has expanded the Resources section of our website to make those answers easier to find.
We now have three resource pages designed to help you research, plan, plant, and source native plants with confidence.
🌿 Native Plant Resources
Looking for reliable information about which plants are native to Illinois, Iowa, or the Quad Cities region?
Our Resources page includes trusted sources for researching native status, plant distribution, growing conditions, conservation information, pollinator relationships, and more.
Explore Native Plant Resources:
https://quadcities.wildones.org/wild-ones-quad-cities-chapter/resources/
🌼 Plan, Plant & Maintain a Native Garden
Ready to turn your research into an actual garden?
This guide covers site assessment, plant selection, garden design, site preparation, plugs versus seed, watering, establishment, weed management, and ongoing maintenance.
Whether you are starting with a small garden bed or planning a larger habitat, it is a great place to begin.
Explore Plan, Plant & Maintain a Native Garden:
https://quadcities.wildones.org/plan-plant-maintain-a-native-garden/
🪴 Sourcing Native Plants & Services
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Where can I buy native plants?”
Our sourcing page includes local, regional, and mail-order options for native plants, seeds, trees, shrubs, and related services.
You will also find information about straight species, cultivars, plant provenance, nursery propagation, and questions to consider before purchasing.
Explore Sourcing Native Plants & Services:
https://quadcities.wildones.org/sourcing-native-plants/
🦋 Start Small. Keep Learning. Grow Habitat.
You do not need acres of prairie to make a difference. A few thoughtfully selected native plants can provide valuable food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
We hope these resources make it easier to create and care for native habitat throughout the Quad Cities.
And these pages will continue to grow! If you know of a helpful resource, local grower, plant sale, nursery, or service we should consider adding, we would love to hear from you.
Happy planting! 🌱🦋
Let’s Collect Seeds – Who’s Excited?
Thursday, September 23 – Let’s stop by Christine Deignan’s over in Davenport at 5 PM and collect some seeds. Christine has diversity, so you have an opportunity to collect from species you probably do not have. Don’t know where she lives? Text us and we will dial you in.
Friday, September 25 – How about a 3 PM start at the Stewart property on 41st Street? (243 41stStreet, across from Moline Forge)
We can work like dogs for a bit, then meander over to FINAL FRIDAY at Hauberg. Maybe we can grab some seeds at Hauberg as well (I need to ask permission).
No need to worry about separation/cleaning of the seed matter. The good old brown paper sacks, still available at a store near you, work great. How about those trusty Sharpie markers? We should be in great shape for the seed swap after completion of these foraging efforts. No doubt that you have natives in your garden that can provide seed as well. Perhaps you think we should add some additional locations – just let us know.
We know that you are all fast learners, but, just in case……we won’t be needing any marigold or zinnia seeds
Paul
563-607-0048