January 12

Feeding Birds in Winter, Ellen Green from Wild Birds Unlimited in Joliet, IL. A presentation on the key types of food and resources to aid our feathered friends during our harsh, cold winters as well as the best tools to use to assist them.

February 9

Lady Bird Johnson (aka Leslie Goddard, PhD) is visiting to discuss not only her time as the First Lady but her efforts made for the environment which included advocating for the creation of National Park Services units, lobbying for the passage of environmental legislation, and campaigning for The Highway Beautification Act, informally known as “Lady Bird’s Bill”.  Some of her most famous quotes include “Where flowers bloom, so does hope” and “The environment is where we all meet, where we all have mutual interest.

March 9

The Cucurbit or Gourd Family (cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and watermelon). Leslie Zimmerman will be presenting on one of the most varied and well-known vegetable families that we all know and love. With 87 genera and about 975 species originating in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, this will be an evening full of the good stuff! 

April 11

Spring Ephemerals. A naturalist from Kane County Forest Preserve District will talk about one of the earliest signs and smiles of spring. Wildflowers growing naturally in woodlands can be transitioned into our gardens to bring us joy before our trees have leafed out.

May 11

MEETING BEFORE PLANT SALE

May 16

ANNUAL PLANT SALE

June 8

MEMBER POTLUCK

July 13

Growing and Using Herbs. Herbs are a healthy way to introduce new flavors into your diet, new fragrances into your home and add texture to your garden. This class will discuss growing, collecting and preserving techniques for all kinds of herbs and offer suggestions for using herbs in cooking. This is one of the U of I Extensions’ most popular, highly attended programs.

August 10

Sustainable Gardening.  Resilient gardeners deal with unpredictable issues to produce food that can sustain during challenging times. Health, diet, weather and financial situations are considered as Master Gardeners discuss sustainable gardening techniques.

September 14

Feed Birds in the Fall as they Cache for the Coming Cold. Ellen Green returns to advise on the best ways to assist birds to prepare for the coming winter so that we can effectively prepare our garden plants and critters for the freeze ahead.

October 12

Seed Harvesting. Bob and Ann Hermann, U of I Master Gardeners, are visiting to share a presentation that Bob developed on the specific elements of seed harvesting that will ensure our native gardens success in the future by keeping seed safe and viable today. 

November 9

Wildlife Habitats from the U of I Extension. No matter what size your yard is, you can create an environment that attracts and sustains beautiful and interesting wildlife. The sounds, activities and antics of wildlife are wonderful additions to the home landscape. Learn how to provide the proper food, water, cover and brooding sites to attract and maintain birds, butterflies and other wildlife.