The Conservation Foundation

06/19/2026

A roof full of plants? A driveway that absorbs rain? A garden that fights flooding? Let that soak in.

Green infrastructure helps slow stormwater, filter pollutants, and keep more water in the ground, reducing flooding and keeping our rivers clean.

This video was made in collaboration with Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition and Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group.

06/19/2026

This past spring, we were thrilled to participate in Illinois Black Outside's first Wellness Weekend event, co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Kyla Muhammad, our Will County Program Director, led two workshops about creating tea blends for relaxation and wellness as it relates to African-American ethnobotany. Participants got to sample six different teas and make their own custom tea blends to take home!

06/18/2026

It's Pollinator Week and the perfect time to introduce our Conservation@Home Flower of the Year: the Cardinal Flower!

This vibrant beauty, Lobelia cardinalis, is a hummingbird favorite that also attracts a variety of butterflies and bees to your yard with its striking red hue. Cardinal Flower is best grown in moist, rich soils (perfect for rain gardens) and can handle full sun to part shade. It’s also been proven to grow well in a porch pot, if you double up the pot and use a bottom watering technique to make sure the surrounding soil stays moist. Individual Cardinal Flowers only live a few years but they self-seed easily and create lovely little colonies that will bring the perfect pop of red color to any garden.

06/18/2026

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Join us for a guided walkthrough of Madison Club HOA, designed for property managers and HOA leadership interested in naturalized landscapes.

06/17/2026

Don't forget to sign up to join our Small-Scale Native Landscapes webinar on Wednesday, June 24th!

The Conservation Foundation will discuss best practices for choosing the right plants for your location and how to avoid common mistakes.

06/15/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 16th at 2 PM as we celebrate a newly restored section of the DuPage River in downtown Plainfield!

Thanks to a restoration project led by the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition, about a mile of river and shoreline has been improved to enhance aquatic habitat and create a healthier river ecosystem. Attend the ribbon cutting, take a guided tour, and explore the Village of Plainfield’s new park improvements at West Electric Park.

Come see the transformation and enjoy one of Plainfield’s greatest natural treasures!

06/13/2026

It's National Get Outdoors Day! Medical research from around the world has documented the health benefits of getting out in nature. There are endless ways a connection to nature improves our quality of life, so make your plans to get outdoors this summer ☀️

Check out our upcoming events!

9:30 am - 1:30 pm True Wellness: Nurturing Body, Soul & Planet May 2, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 1:30 pm True Wellness: Nurturing Body, Soul & Planet Join us for the True Wellness: Nurturing Body, Soul & Planet half-day retreat dedicated to inner and outer wellness!

06/12/2026

Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is popping off at our office garden. These native flowers are a favorite for the bees this time of year.

Spiderwort stamen hairs are unique. The hairs’ large bead-like cells and sensitivity to radiation have given these plants a role in scientific studies and biology classes.

06/11/2026

Join us for Summer Berries: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk on Saturday, July 11th and discover the wild edible plants hiding in plain sight! Learn how to identify common species, understand safe and ethical foraging practices, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned nature enthusiast, this hands-on experience is a great way to connect with local landscapes and learn something new.

Sign up today!

Join us at our Summer Berries: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk for a walk showing wild berries and other wild common, local edible plants.