Events Archive: 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events
February 2025
National Panel Discussion: "Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators"
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.
Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.
March 2025
Birds and Native Gardening Members Only
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Members Only Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Group Tour Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary will present on how bird populations have changed and ways to support birds through native landscapes and alternative turf solutions. We will enjoy a brief walking tour their new native plant greenhouse, gardens and birding areas. Riverlands is located on the banks of the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Missouri River and has over 8.5 miles of trail featuring viewing platforms and bird blinds. The trails bring you through prairies, marshes, and bottomland forest habitats, and provide great viewing opportunities for the great variety of birds and other wildlife.
April 2025
Spring Ephemeral Walk at McCully Heritage Project Members Only
Members Only Chapter Meeting Nature Walk/Hike
Spring Ephemeral walk at McCully Heritage Project, a natural area made up of 940 acres of hills and hollows in Calhoun County Illinois. The project offers miles of hiking and horse back riding trails, two ponds for fishing and turtle watching, a wetland, forests, native grasslands, and more.
June 2025
Member Garden Gathering Bill and Kay Ahaus Members Only
Members Only Chapter Meeting
SWIL members, Bill and Kay Ahaus garden in Trenton, Illinois
July 2025
Member Garden Gathering Sandra Perry Members Only
Members Only Chapter Meeting Home Garden Tour
SWIL member Sandra Perry.
August 2025
Member Garden Gathering Laurie Henderson Members Only
Members Only Chapter Meeting Home Garden Tour
SWIL members Laurie and Henry Henderson's garden.
September 2025
Member Garden Gathering Amy Cyrus Members Only
Members Only Chapter Meeting Home Garden Tour
SWIL member Amy Cyrus' garden.
September Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2025
October Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
Member Garden Gathering/Seed Collecting
Public Welcome Family Friendly Chapter Meeting Hands-On/How-To Workshop Nature Walk/Hike
This is a collaborative event between Clifftop and SWIL Wild Ones. Join Laura Schaefer in a walk along an ADA accessible trail while picking your own native wildflower and grass seed mix to take home. Laura will guide you in plant id, how to collect, preserve and grow your native seed collection. This is the only time when seed may be collected here, so don't miss out on this once a year event!
What to bring: Bring either a large PAPER grocery bag (for a seed mix) or paper lunch bags (to keep species separate) and a marker to label your bags.
Optional: garden gloves and pruners.
We will meet at the pavilion in the parking lot.
Please note the correct address for PWSNP is 3255 G Rd, Fults, Il.
In the event of rain we will reschedule.
November 2025
November Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!