June 12 Program:
Rare Plants and Unique Natural Areas of Illinois, Presented by Christopher David Benda
 Sunday June 12, 2016 2:30-4:30 pm. Room 259, Dominican Priory,7200 W. Division St., River Forest, IL
Program description: Illinois has a landscape that has mostly been converted to agriculture and urban areas. Yet within this matrix of development lie pristine natural areas, refuges for rare biota. Join Illinois Native Plant Society President Chris Benda as he presents the many rare plant species known from the numerous and unique natural areas of Illinois.
Christopher David Benda earned his B.S. in Biology from Winona State University in 2002 and an M.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign in 2007. Currently, he is a plant ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. He also teaches local flora at Southern Illinois University and is president of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Chris leads many nature hikes and teaches several botany courses. He can be found online under the moniker “Illinois Botanizer.”
Free and open to the public. Park on the east side of The Priory and enter through the door on the east. Follow the hallway to the end, turn left, and follow that hallway. Turn right up the stairs (or go straight to the elevator), and head up to the second floor.
For the accessibility entrance, enter through the south doors. There is an elevator, which goes to the second floor. Exit the elevator and turn left for Room 259.
Special Event for Wild Ones Members and Volunteers
West Cook Wild Ones members and volunteers have a special invitation to enjoy refreshments and socialize amidst the beauty of the Oak Park Conservatory. Patti Staley will lead us on a special tour of the the new IL native gardens as well as other important aspects of the conservatory. 
Let’s get to know each other better at this special event. Reserve your FREE tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-butterflies-at-the-oak-park-conservatory-tickets-25726907874
When: Thursday, July 7, 2016 6:00 pm--8:00 pm
Where: Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St, Oak Park, IL 60304
The event is for members of Wild Ones, volunteers and their families. Been thinking of becoming a member? Join here: http://www.wildones.org/wild-ones-store/join-renew/
Don't forget Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory and OPRF Garden Club's annual garden walk is Sunday, June 24. Tickets here: https://gcoprf.org/?page_id=7638
Photo: Kevin McCarey
Have You linked up to us on Facebook recently?
There's more great information from West Cook Wild Ones online each week.
Some recent postings are:
"Scientists confirm folk remedy repels mosquitoes."
"Just because it will grow in your yard, doesn't mean you should plant it."
"The Kankakee Mallow, a wildflower thought extinct in state, is found again!
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Is Your Yard in Our Wildlife Corridor? It should be....
West Cook Wild Ones has been engaging residents and organizations in creating landscapes that feature native shrubs, trees, plants, and grasses as a way to increase biodiversity in the Oak Park/River Forest area (including Chicago, Berwyn and other surrounding towns). We hope that with enough yards acting as habitats for wildlife, we can support populations of beneficial species who are here either as year-long residents or as migrants. Because Wild Ones has chosen to focus on species that fly due to our urban infrastructure (e.g., amphibians would not be feasible), we expect to see an increase in movement as well as an increase in population if more native trees, shrubs, and plants are planted and tended in an ecologically sensitive manner.
TO GET LISTED: Complete a quick form here--brag about your yard!: Wildlife Corridor Registration
TO VIEW THE CURRENT CORRIDOR MAP. Go to:
West Cook Wild Ones Wildlife Corridor Map–Watch It Grow
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WANT TO GET IN ON THE ACTION?
WANT TO GET THE WORD ON NATIVE PLANTS?
JOIN THE WILD ONES, WEST COOK CHAPTER
West Cook Wild Ones’ primary goals as an organization are to advocate for native plants, to restore precious ecosystems, and to provide environmental education. We do this by educating others through networking, educational programs and presentations, chapter activities and other events. Because of our membership, we have been able to ramp up our local materials and present to other community groups.
Join our chapter for all kinds of benefits:
- satisfaction knowing that you are helping out a local organization dedicated to sustaining biodiversity
- thoughtful and educational monthly programs
- discounted admission for Wild Ones Local and National Conferences
- discounts on native plants
- participation in member only events
- subscription to National’s ONLINE Wild Ones Journal
- subscription to National’s e-newsletter: What’s New with Wild Ones
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP
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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
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Want to help out? We have some volunteer opportunities!
We have some upcoming opportunities for volunteering from helping out at local public gardens to helping out at tabling events or if there’s another area where you have expertise you’d like to share.
Just fill out our simple volunteer form
QUESTIONS??? Send an e-mail to westcook@outlook.com
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