2021 Educational Programs
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![Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Rubus-odoratus_sm-300x225.jpg)
Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition
November 2021
Wild Ones members are invited to attend our second virtual annual meeting on November 18th. This is our last meeting of the year and will include a state-of-the-chapter wrap-up and brief reports from board members and coordinators. We will also recognize our members who volunteered in chapter activities this past year. The meeting will end with a virtual tour of how our members are using native plants in their yards and other locations.
Read More![Conservation Planning in the Raccoon Creek Watershed presented by Kerry Leigh](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kerry-Leigh_Cropped.jpg)
Conservation Planning in the Raccoon Creek Watershed presented by Kerry Leigh
October 2021
Creating a conservation plan for the Illinois portion of the Raccoon Creek Watershed is an important first step in protecting and conserving high quality land and habitat, and improving water quality in this cool water, relatively high quality stream. Clean water and land conservation also have positive impacts on the local economy, property values, and recreational opportunities. Moreover, it preserves the local heritage for future generations. Natural Land Institute (NLI) chose this priority area for protection because of the Nygren Wetland Preserve, which sits at the bottom of the watershed, and the threats facing this area. Learn about the goals and strategies, and where the climate-resilient areas are located.
Read More![The Ecology of Oaks presented by Sarah Michehl](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sarah-Michehl-The-Land-Conservancy-McHenry-County.png)
The Ecology of Oaks presented by Sarah Michehl
September 2021
Sarah Michehl will present how our native oaks are woven into the fabric of our home landscape. The presentation will cover the reasons for their ecological importance and how to help the oak ecosystem as a whole.
Read More![Identification and Control of Invasive Species presented by Michael Hansen](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Michael_Hansen.png)
Identification and Control of Invasive Species presented by Michael Hansen
August 2021
Michael Hansen is the Land Care Manager at the UW-Madison Arboretum where he oversees field work including invasive species management and the prescribed fire program. Michael will provide an overview of the Arboretum's invasive species management program, including common invasive species and identification, strategies and methods for management at different scales, and challenges faced when working within an urban landscape.
Read More![Using Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat presented by Ken Kielsmeier](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ken-Kielsmeier-Image.png)
Using Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat presented by Ken Kielsmeier
July 2021
Ken Kielsmeier lives near Oregon, Illinois and has worked on a farm near Leaf River to plant native species to create habitat for birds and other wildlife. He used the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to covert about nine acres of cropland to tallgrass prairie and plant native trees and shrubs on another five acres.
Read More![Wild Garden’s Frequent Fliers: Dragonflies and Damselflies presented by Cindy Crosby](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Crosby.jpg)
Wild Garden’s Frequent Fliers: Dragonflies and Damselflies presented by Cindy Crosby
June 2021
Our June program will see the return of Cindy Crosby. Cindy is a dynamic speaker who has previously brought us programs on the tallgrass prairie and uses of native plants. This month we will discover the fascinating and bizarre lives of Dragonflies and Damselflies with plenty of group fun and lively interaction during the Zoom presentation.
Read More![The Rare Flora of Apple River Canyon presented by Randy Nyboer](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Randy_Nyboer.jpg)
The Rare Flora of Apple River Canyon presented by Randy Nyboer
May 2021
Randy Nyboer, former District Natural Heritage Biologist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Endangered Species Program Manager for the Illinois Natural History Survey, will lead a virtual tour of the rare flora of Apple River Canyon and the new Townsend Glade Land & Water Reserve. The video will be presented during a live Zoom meeting and will be posted on our website to watch after May 20.
Read More![The Sedges You Know, the Sedges You Don’t presented by Dr. Andrew Hipp](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Carex_squarrosa_kz4.jpg)
The Sedges You Know, the Sedges You Don’t presented by Dr. Andrew Hipp
April 2021
Dr. Andrew Hipp, Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics and Herbarium Director at the Morton Arboretum, will introduce us to the numerous native sedges of the Chicago Region. He will cover their taxonomic and ecological context, including photos of the plants and the habitats where they live, in a “sedge nerdy but understandable way.”
Read More![Woodpeckers of Illinois presented by Peggy Doty](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Peggy-Doty-225x300.jpg)
Woodpeckers of Illinois presented by Peggy Doty
March 2021
Peggy Doty will present Woodpeckers of Illinois. Woodpeckers are incredibly unique and have been around for millions of years. They require specific habitats and are very noticeable by their sound and movement. There are seven species of woodpeckers utilizing Illinois habitats.
Read More![Ethnobotany and Natural History of Early Boone County, Illinois presented by Pam Stock and Josh Sage](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PamS.jpg)
Ethnobotany and Natural History of Early Boone County, Illinois presented by Pam Stock and Josh Sage
February 2021
Pam Stock and Josh Sage, both with the Boone County Conservation District, will show two videos and then stick around for a discussion on Zoom. Each video is approximately 10 minutes long:
Ethnobotany of Boone County, IL in the 1800's- A discussion on plants used by the Potawatomi and the Winnebago people. Presenter Pam Stock
Read More![Ghost Trees and The Missing Evolutionary Partners of Today's Osage Orange and Other Native Tree Species presented by Jerry Paulson](https://wildonesrrvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Maclura-pomifera.jpg)
Ghost Trees and The Missing Evolutionary Partners of Today’s Osage Orange and Other Native Tree Species presented by Jerry Paulson
January 2021
Osage Orange or what some call Hedge Apple, Maclura pomifera, is a common tree of old hedgerows and field edges throughout Northern Illinois. It’s wood had many uses by early settlers, it was widely planted to form thorny hedges to keep livestock enclosed before the advent of barbed wire, and the softball size bright green fruit is often sold for holiday decorations.
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