Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter

10/23/2026

Our NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER is now available!

Read all about...
🌿 Our November program - our annual meeting which will include a presentation by Jacob Grace of the Savanna Institute, potluck dinner, board elections, and our seed exchange! This meeting is open to members only - be sure to note the earlier time and new location!
↩️ A very informative recap of our October program with Chris Evans on Identification and Management of Invasive Plants
🦋 How to get free milkweed plants from Monarch Watch
🗳 2027 Board Elections information and ballot to vote if you aren't able to make it to the November meeting

Link to read is in the comments!

10/09/2026

The October newsletter is now available!

Check it out for:
🌿 October program details
ℹ What seeds to collect now (save them for our annual meeting seed exchange in November!)
🗳 2027 Board Elections - if you are a member but aren't able to make our November meeting, you can print out the newsletter and mail it in to cast your vote! We are also seeking nominations for a Board Member at Large - if you're interested in becoming more involved in our chapter, please message us for more info!
💫 And more!!

10/06/2026

Congratulations to our members Anita Johnson and Barbara Flores on this well-deserved recognition!!! You both are treasures to the community and to our organization! Thank you for all that you do. 🤩🥳

🏅 Anita Johnson, 2026 State Outstanding Master Gardener
🏅 Barbara Flores, 2026 Sustained Excellence Award

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Two Winnebago County Master Gardeners with Illinois Extension were recognized for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication during

09/16/2026

Only a few days left to get your order in for the 2026 Native Tree & Shrub Sale! 🌳🍂

Check out what's available and get the order form in the brochure on our website - link is in the comments!

🧾 Orders Due: Sunday, September 20
🗓️ Pickup Dates and Times: Friday, October 2, 3 to 7 pm and
Saturday, October 3, 9 am to 12 pm
📍Pickup Location: 4601 Paulson Road, Caledonia, IL 61011

For questions and to place your order, please contact our Tree & Shrub Sale coordinator, Brian Hale, at [email protected]

*Please note that Grape Honeysuckle (Lonicera reticulata) has sold out.

09/08/2026

Join Natural Land Institute for a tour of Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve tomorrow from 4 to 7 pm, and learn why these remnants matter for preserving prairie genetics. Information and RSVP form are found on NLI's website:

The public is invited to explore the new land that NLI purchased in March, 2026 to help safeguard the remnant Beach Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve and to walk around the historic Cemetery Prairie.

08/25/2026

The 2026 Native Tree & Shrub Sale Now Going On!! 🌳🍂
Now’s the time to order your native trees and shrubs for your home landscape. This year we are offering ten tree, eight shrub, and four vine species that are native to our region. Once established, these plants are easy-to-grow, require minimal maintenance, and provide food and shelter for native wildlife.

The brochure includes details about each plant, information about the benefits of native plant species, how to choose your plants, planting and growing conditions guides, resources to help you get started, and the order form. We accept check or PayPal.

Orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis so place your order early! We also are happy to help coordinate custom orders if something you want is not in the brochure. Inventory is subject to nursery availability.

Orders Due
Sunday, September 20

Pickup Dates and Times
Friday, October 2, 3 to 7 pm
Saturday, October 3, 9 am to 12 pm

Pickup Location
4601 Paulson Road
Caledonia, IL 61011

Questions?
Contact our Tree & Shrub Sale coordinator, Brian Hale, at [email protected]

08/21/2026

Learn more about pesticide drift on this Illinois Public Media program.

The pesticides that farmers use can drift miles beyond where they’re originally used-harming plants, trees, and people. We’ll talk about how it happens as well as what could change with more regulation.

08/20/2026

Check out our members Dianne and Dennis's fabulous native yard! Such great inspiration! 😍

08/15/2026

We want to hear from you!📣

Our program committee is meeting soon to start planning for next year's monthly educational programs! Is there a topic you'd like for us to cover, or a speaker you'd like us to schedule in 2027? Please let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected]!

We look forward to hearing your ideas!