Events

Pam Otto, local naturalist, spent 25 years in the field of nature education. She began her career at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, moved on to the Fox Valley Park District, and wrapped up her career at the St. Charles Park District’s Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Upon retirement last year, Pam began spending increasing amounts of time at her property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Forty acres of land that had been logged way back when but, in the century or so since, has largely been left to its own devices.  Today, the mixed hardwood and conifer forest yields a dizzying array of plant life, from sedges and ferns to spring, summer, and fall wildflowers—some familiar to Illinois gardeners, some unique to the U.P., and, except for the occasional mullein or hawkweed, all native to the area.  Can there really be such a place with NO Eurasian honeysuckle, NO European buckthorn, or NO garlic mustard? Walk, virtually, with Pam as she leads you down shaded paths and into sunny glades in this wooded wonderland, and learn about the plants that thrive in the short growing season Up North. Species like Canada mayflower, blue bead lily, and shinleaf might not sound familiar, but their associates yellow trout lily, red baneberry, and big-leaved aster probably do. Ferns and mosses and an honest-to-goodness native honeysuckle make appearances too, and might spark some ideas for additions to your own gardens.

In this presentation, we’ll explore behind the scenes of successful native landscapes and blend ecological science with practical guidance, helping gardeners understand what’s happening both above and below ground so they can create thriving, wildlife-supporting landscapes We’ll discuss how native plants support pollinators, birds, and soil health. How deep root systems, microbial partnerships, and adaptations to local climate make native plants resilient and sustainable choices. Participants will also learn how to assess conditions such as soil type, moisture, light, and drainage, and when to amend soil. Lizzy Small is an environmental educator and biologist with a background in restoration ecology and native plant systems. She recently completed her master’s degree in biology and has taught ecology concepts at the college level, including courses at Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College. Lizzy works in nature education and conservation programming, where she combines scientific research with hands-on learning. Her experience includes prairie restoration, habitat management, and working directly with native ecosystems across Illinois. 

Jay Womack will present “The Light Bulb Revolution” and discuss how a small change provides positive results.  Jay will review how a light bulb can improve your health, support increased insect populations, protect bird migrations, make neighborhoods safer, and reduce tensions between adjacent residents. Jay is a Senior Landscape Architect with GZA GeoEnvironmental. Jay holds the accreditations of PLA Professional Landscape Architect, LEED AP an advanced professional credential signifying expertise in green building, sustainability, and specific LEED rating systems, and is a WEDG Professionalwhich uses a national rating system and set of Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines to create resilient, ecological, and accessible waterfronts. Jay’s design philosophy is rooted in a lifelong affinity for the ecosystems of the Midwest and the belief that people need to be connected to the environment, a philosophy closely aligned with Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic. He is passionate about the environment, connecting people to nature, and developing innovative, sustainable, resilient, and "outside-the-box" solutions."