Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Upcoming Events
January 2026
Free National Webinar: "Intergenerational Care for Land and Community: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer and Esther Bonney"
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
In this special collaboration, 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.
Tri-State Driftless Annual Members Meeting Members Only
Online/Virtual
Members Only Chapter Annual Meeting
Annual Members meeting. Year in review and upcoming agendas.
The link has been sent to members.
National Seed Swap Celebration
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Seed/Plant Share Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Drinking Fountains
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with a visit to the library's third floor, where local gardening organizations will be sharing ideas, inspiration, and seeds to help you plan for the growing season ahead.
The seeds are free, and visitors are welcome to bring seeds of their own to share. This drop in event is open to all and seeds are available while supplies last.
Wild Ones Tri-State Driftless Area will be tabling at this wonderful event. Drop by to say hello, bring your gardening questions, and pick up some free native seeds!
February 2026
Free National Webinar: From Wasteland to Wonder with Basil Camu
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Our upcoming webinar with Basil Camu explores practical, evidence based ways to heal suburban and urban landscapes by working with trees, soil, and natural systems, drawing on real world practices from Leaf & Limb and community centered models for restoring life where we live, work, and play.!
March 2026
Free National Webinar: Rethinking Horticulture with Real Ecology presented by Joey Santore
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Join Joey Santore, creator of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, for a candid Wild Ones National Webinar examining how inherited garden aesthetics shape native plant landscapes. Drawing on field experience and real ecology, Joey challenges tidy design norms and explores why dense, irregular plant communities are often the most resilient and ecologically sound.
Social and Sharing Event Members Only
The Galena Territory Association Owners' Club Arts and Crafts Room - lower level, 2000 Territory Dr, Galena, IL, 61036 Map
Members Only Free Event Chapter Social Chapter Meeting
You are invited to a Tri-state Driftless Area Member Event: a social and sharing event among the members.
Stop by for snacks and an opportunity to ask questions or share on various topics like local plants, what works in your garden, what struggles have you had? We will also have supplies if you would like to make a plant cage out of sandbar willow and grapevine.
April 2026
Planting for Spring Pollinators
Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom
It's that time of year! Pollinators are emerging and are looking for a banquet of pollen and nectar to nourish themselves and their offspring. Adding native plants is one of the best things you can do to help.
Join us to learn about some of our favorite early looming native pollinator forbs (flowering plants), and how they are a vital substitue for non-native, lower quality landscapes.
Converting even a small patch of your lawn into a native garden will help our pollinator friends.
If you are able, please leave the parking lot for those that are less able. Parking on the street is allowed for this event.
Free National Webinar: What Is Wild and Why It Matters" presented by Rick Darke
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Join award-winning author, photographer, and educator Rick Darke for What Is Wild and Why It Matters, a free national webinar on Tuesday, April 28th at 10 am CT. Discover how inviting a bit of authentic wildness can create a vibrant landscape that sustains you and local biodiversity. This national event is presented in collaboration between Wild Ones and Homegrown National Park.
May 2026
Plant Swap and "Planting Natives in Containers" Workshop
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Seed/Plant Share Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Wild Ones Tri-State Driftless Area is happy to present a workshop “Planting Natives in Containers ”at the Galena Public Library's annual plant and seed swap. Bring seeds and plants and swap with your neighbors. Vegetables, herbs, native plants and houseplants are welcome. Even if you don't have plants to bring, come to get plants and seeds to take home!
Planting Natives in Containers workshop begins at 11:30. You will learn how and why to plant natives in containers and take home available plants for your container!
No registration required.
September 2026
Free National Webinar- September 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2026
Free National Webinar- October 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2026
Free National Webinar- November 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!