Have you owned Velcro shoes? What does a kingfisher have in common with a high-speed trains? Thank Biomimicry. These are examples in which science and technology found innovative design solutions in the natural world. Learn how animals and plants are being studied to solve today's problems. Presenter Kim White, formerly with Brookfield Zoo, is a […]
Seasoned gardeners know that while early May may be too early to get out into the garden, it’s the perfect time to start vegetable plant seedlings indoors. Get practical tips on seed selection, timing for starting them, and the tools you’ll need from Lisa Hilgenberg, Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic […]
Identifying birds is a fun way to connect with nature in your back yard and beyond. Join us to learn about birds commonly found on the North Shore and basic approaches to bird ID, including some helpful tools. Presented by Refugio Mariscal, conservation data coordinator for Audubon Great Lakes. Presented in partnership with the Glencoe […]
We have all heard the battle cry, "Plant Milkweed for Monarchs!" Will just planting milkweed really fix the problem of the declining population of midwestern monarchs? What else can we do to help this iconic insect? Presented by naturalist and educator Kim White. Register here for this virtual program. Presented in partnership with the Friends […]
Heather Prince, horticulturist and owner of Fearless Gardening, will explain why leaving fall leaves and plant materials in home gardens is essential for developing a supportive wildlife oasis. She will offer guidance for crafting dynamic fall and winter home landscapes offering layers of soil-enriching textures as well as provide support for overwintering insects, butterflies, birds […]
What does climate change mean for our area—what can we expect, and what can we do about it? Please join international climate expert and University of Illinois professor emeritus Dr. Don Wuebbles in unpacking the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2021 Report and its implications for the North Shore. Dr. Wuebbles led a […]
Learn about the work of Piet Oudolf, the leading naturalistic landscape and garden designer through the personal research of landscape design consultant Deborah Chud. She’ll trace her discovery of Oudolf’s work, her research into his design principles, his ideas of structure and the balance of coherence, plant combinations, and her use of that research to […]
Include native Illinois prairie plants in your garden and watch the pollinators arrive! Native prairie plants can make a ho-hum garden intriguing. Naturalist and author Cindy Crosby will discuss which species work well in a home garden setting and how to choose the best plants for your conditions. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Green […]
Join us for a fascinating presentation on the interrelationships between trees with Dr. Suzanne Simard. In her book ,Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, Dr. Simard’s research reveals trees are more than timber or pulp resources. Trees are interconnected via complex fungi connections that serve as social networks. They communicate vulnerabilities, […]
For centuries fireflies have sparked wonder. Join us to learn how they got their bright lights, their remarkable lifestyles, hear how human activities put fireflies at risk, and what you can do to help protect these charismatic insects. Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the author of Silent Sparks: The Wonderous […]
