Events

Join West Cook Wild Ones, the Oak Park Public Library, and the Village of Oak Park’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience to learn how you can plant and design a native garden in your front yard or parkway in a way that’s pleasing to both the eye and the earth. 

Professional Green landscape design experts Christine Nye and Ken Williams will share tips on basic design principles, plant recommendations, site preparation and general maintenance of your public facing single or multi-family unit native garden. 

The presentation hour will be followed by a Q& A with the speakers and the Village Forester. In-person participants are welcome to stay after the presentations for refreshments prepared by a local eco-friendly chef and informal discussion with the panel as well as local gardeners and community organizations. 

This event is brought to you in partnership with the library and West Cook Wild Ones and The Village of Oak Park's Office of Sustainability and Resilience.

Registration recommended for in-person and required for Virtual.
 

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Members are welcome to attend.  We will open with a brief period for member comment before commencing business.  If you are a paid member and would like to attend, please email us [email protected] for the Zoom link. Please include your Membership ID. Your ID can be found on your Membership Page. 

Members are welcome to attend.  We will open with a brief period for member comment before commencing business.  If you are a paid member and would like to attend, please email us [email protected] for the Zoom link. Please include your Membership ID. Your ID can be found on your Membership Page. 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!