The native plant world lost a generous mentor and passionate advocate in Art Gara, who passed away on October 27. He was one of the first native plant landscapers in our area and created Art and Linda's Wildflowers to help others enjoy having nature right outside their doors.  If you loved the earth and native plants, you were immediately "in" with Art. He enfolded you in his circle of expertise. Sharing his knowledge, Art was one of West Cook Wild Ones' best supporters, sure to get the word out about conferences and regularly attending programs. We are so fortunate that he shared his long experience and knowledge of natives this past summer in July to a full house at Dole Library. He leaves a far-reaching legacy--so many people he mentored have gone on to their own businesses and made sure that Wild Ones chapters reached as many people as possible. Art lived by his beliefs and compromised for no one. We will hold him dear in our hearts and memories. 

More details: Memorial Service for Art Gara
Memorial Fund

You’ve seen how butterflies add beauty to your garden. Yet there is more than meets the eye.  Stephanie Walquist has raised multiple butterfly species in her garden, deepening her appreciation for these fascinating and complex animals. She will discuss local species and their behaviors along with essential practices for creating a butterfly habitat. Full program description. 

The Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest has a short meeting and lunch starting at 12 p.m.  The presentation begins at 1 p.m.
 

Greater DuPage Wild Ones Seed Exchange

Saturday, November 11, 2017
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Historic Warren Tavern
3 S 540 Second St., Warrenville, IL

Our neighboring Wild Ones chapter will host a seed exchange. They usually have over 100 species available!  Bring your seeds to exchange or make a donation. Details, instructions, and full schedule. 

Also of interest

Highlights of the High Line
Lurie Garden Featured Speaker Andi Pettis, 
Thursday, Nov 9, 3:00-5:00 PM, Pritzker Pavilion 

Learn about the challenges of  of maintaining the High Line park, built on a mile-and-a-half-long elevated railroad on the West Side of Manhattan. Program and registration information for this free, ticketed presentation. 

Practical and Artistic Ideas for Fall Gardens
Denise Sandoval of Good-Natured Landscapes offers fall and early winter maintenance tips.

Monarchs Waylaid by Warm Fall
Scientists say tens of thousands of the butterflies are likely to be stranded far north of where they'd normally be this time of year because of the unusually warm weather and strong winds that have kept them from migrating south. Chicago Tribune article. 

Learn about 10 Native Bee Groups (Genera)
Past WCWO speaker Heather Holm writing in Houzz.

Barberry Shrubs Contribute to Spread of Lyme Disease
Barberry is the "ecological perfect storm for tick-borne diseases."Barberry is a problem in our natural areas out here in IL too.  Barberry is heavily planted in Oak Park.  Let's help spread the word about this invasive plant.  Why One Plant May Be Fueling the Spread of Lyme Disease

What is that plant or animal? iNaturalist's App offers suggested identifications
This Atlantic article takes a look. Sound interesting? Get the app and check out West Cook Wild Ones’ iNaturalist project. 

Register Your Yard on Our Wildlife Corridor
Click here to learn about our corridor: WCWO corridor
Click here to register your yard: Registration


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