REGISTER:

https://theconservationfoundation.org/event/small-native-gardens/

Held in partnership with The Pizzo Group, this webinar highlights effective native plants for landscape design by looking at the ecosystems where they naturally thrive. By focusing on each species’ “happy place” — it’s ideal soil, moisture, light, and plant community — we show how matching plants to their native habitats boosts resilience and long-term success. Part of the Conservation@Home Professional Training series, the session with experts from Pizzo Native Plant Nursery emphasizes the importance of regionally adapted plants in creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.

Speakers:

Kirsten Park, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery
With over 10 years of diversified communication skills, broad project management work, and an array of educational training experience, Kirsten brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sales management, customer service, and team leadership to our internal and external partners. Prior to joining Pizzo Native Plant Nursery, Kirsten held key sales management positions where she played an integral role in expanding sales, implementing successful marketing strategies, and relationship building.

Kate Shields, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery
After 18 years in sales and marketing, Kate Shields shifted into work that feels more aligned with her passions: ecological restoration, native plants, and meaningful partnerships. As a Sales Manager at Pizzo & Associates, she helps clients define and achieve their native landscape goals, from turf-to-prairie projects and invasive species management to long-term stewardship. She finds inspiration through travel and loves sharing what she learns about plants, places, and wildlife. In addition to her role at Pizzo, she also offers freelance landscape design, bringing thoughtful, ecology-driven solutions to clients and communities.

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/gepark/activity/search/detail/37191?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s efforts to raise freshwater mussels and federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonflies. Then, meet some of the crayfish, insects, and fish that call the county’s waterways home. Tours begin every 30 minutes. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

BLACKWELL FOREST PRESERVE

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/gepark/activity/search/detail/37195?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

In this Wild Ones free national webinar, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author, botanist, and founder of Plant Baby Plant, joins youth leader and Nurture Natives founder Esther Bonney for an intergenerational conversation about belonging, reciprocity, and native plant action. Together, they will explore questions such as: How do we create opportunities for young people to have a voice and feel empowered, even when they are not homeowners or decision makers? What kinds of relationships and mentorships help people stay engaged in native plant work over decades? Why do stories, shared practices, and community invitations matter just as much as plant lists? Robin and Esther will reflect on what invites people into this work, what keeps them here, and what elders and youth have to teach each other. Click here to register.

Don’t replace it … repair it! Experts will be onsite at SCARCE to perform simple repairs on household items. While you’re here, take a look around our onsite SCARCE-LY Used Books & Records Resale Shop. The event is free but there may be a small fee for repairs. Cash is strongly encouraged. Other forms of payment will be accepted at the discretion of each vendor. Items will be evaluated and repaired on a first-come first-serve basis. If a vendor is unable to fix an item onsite for any reason, they might ask you to leave the item with them to be completed and returned to you at an agreed upon date. Click here for more details.

Holiday Light Recycling

Learn about trails, bike lanes, e-bike regulations, and active transportation concerns in the s uburbs. Dave Simmons of Ride Illinois will be presenting.

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001JQgWTIA1

https://www.beyondplastics.org/events/the-problem-with-plastic

The Overstory by Richard Powers

We want to bring our community together to discuss ideas within nature-based literature. It’s a great way to get to know each other, as well as deepen our understanding and relationship to the land we live on. This group will be led by our friend, Kristy Belton, and meet every other month on the first Wednesday. We hope you’ll join us! This event is free and no registration is required!

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/gepark/activity/search/detail/37196?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

The Buzz in Your Garden is an introduction to the many pollinating bees making essential contributions to the health and productivity of gardens and ecosystems. Join Judy Cardin, a bumble bee expert and educator with the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, for a webinar with fascinating facts about our native pollinators.

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001Gys45IAB