Wild Ones West Cook Accomplishments 2023 2023 was another productive year! We continue to do impactful grass-roots level work. Read through the highlights of the past year. You will see how we are making a real difference in our community and ensuring the Earth will be a better place for future generations of people and […] Continue reading "2023 Accomplishment Wild Ones West Cook"
Recap of The Amphibians of Chicago presented by Joey Cavataio Joey Cavataio condensed many years of experience and research into a beautifully presented talk for us on Feb 25. Along with the lovely images of our area’s amphibians, another welcome sight was the many middle-schoolers who were attending for an extra credit assignment from their […] Continue reading "Recap of The Amphibians of Chicago by Joey Cavataio"
Our June 25, 2017 program featuring Dr. Emily Minor (UIC Urban Ecologist) focused on the many citizen science projects available. These are projects that include data/observations made by laypeople and can be used for research by scientists. Citizen science may sound difficult, but it is really as easy as looking out your window […] Continue reading "Citizen Science Projects"
Thank you to everyone who attended the conference. We were pleased to be able to bring these two accomplished professionals to the Chicago area. Both of their messages were grounded in deep experience, were very practical, yet very inspiring. Rick Darke’s lecture was a wonderful and rare mix of philosophy, reflection, practical how-to advice, and […] Continue reading "Beautifully Natural Garden Conference 2017"
5 Reasons to Attend the Beautifully Natural Garden Conference Rick Darke and Heather Holm are two top-notch speakers and experts in their respective fields who will bring emerging and important information to you. If you are thinking of attending our conference on February 11, 2017 but need a little extra convincing–here it is! 1. Learn […] Continue reading "5 Reasons to Attend the Beautifully Natural Garden Conference"
The Problem The topic of invasive plants can be a prickly one. Burning Bushes, Barberry Bushes, Callery Pears, and Asian Honeysuckles are very popular landscaping choices as are the latest plants that the horticultural industry is selling, most of which have been imported from other continents solely for decorative purposes in a yard. Invasives do […] Continue reading "Invasives Presentation Recap"
Native Plantings to Attract Migratory Birds After a little good-natured group tribute to Doug Tallamy, Judy Pollock told us about the real conservation work we can do. Where? Not in faraway places at all but simply in our own yards. In Judy’s own yard in Evanston, IL, she has observed 125 migratory species in her […] Continue reading "Notes from Judith Pollock’s Presentation on Attracting Migratory Birds"
West Cook Wild Ones will bring Jack MacRae, a Naturalist from the DuPage Forest Preserves, to present Behind the Scenes at a Wild Animal Hospital.” This presentation gives a look at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, the oldest and largest wild animal hospital in the U.S. Mr. MacRae will speak to us about the animals that […] Continue reading "Behind the Scenes at a Wild Animal Hospital & Seed Swap"
Our First Native Plant Sale was a Great Success! Thanks to your enthusiastic participation, nearly 750 additional native plants will be growing in our communities this Spring! The money we raised will provide resources to help us bring in expert speakers and create demonstration gardens in parks and schools. Together were making the West Cook […] Continue reading "April"
Stephen Packard is for the birds. And we mean that in the best possible way. The founding director of Audubon Chicago Region and one of the most highly respected nature advocates in the Midwest will appear at Dominican University on Sunday, January 19, to speak about growing native plants in your yard to enjoy more […] Continue reading "Meet Stephen Packard, Founding Director of Audubon Chicago Region"