The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee

WPPC's Annual Native Plant Sale
2026-05-03 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s Annual Native Plant Sale will be Sunday, May 3, 2026 in the commons area at McHenry County College. The sale runs from noon until 3, but it’s best to arrive early as many of our most popular species sell out quickly. We often have a line forming before 11:30. We offer native plants for many habitats, so there will be something for you no matter if your yard is sunny, shady, wet or dry. This year’s sale will offer over 130 species with prices generally in the $4 to $9 range. Plant availability changes from year to year, but this plant list shows what is normally available. In addition to plants native to northern Illinois we will have a a selection of books available for sale and a vendor offering heirloom vegetable plants and herbs. Not sure how to incorporate native plants into your yard? Our garden plans have ideas for a variety of planting conditions.

Walk on the Wild Side--Schietzelt Property, Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10 am & 2pm
2026-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Schietzelt Property, 4419 Wlakup Road, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
Description: As springtime carpets the woodlands with the blues of Virginia Bluebells and the yellows of Celandine Poppies, you are invited to walk our forest trails. Whether you’re exploring the pine forest in the front yard or the oak-hickory forest in the back, there will be many species of spring ephemerals to seek out. Wild Geraniums, Trilliums, Wild Ginger, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, and Mayapples will be just some of the wildflowers blooming. This property, once the home of Bill and Ardath Wingate, definitely puts on its best show in the spring. Come see it! This is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowners begin at 10am and 2pm. All WPPC Walks on the Wild Side are free of charge and no pre-registration is required.
Directions: Take Walkup Rd. north out of Crystal Lake. Driveway is on the left (west) side, just north of the traffic light at Hillside Rd. Parking space is limited. If you are able to walk a short distance please park on Vermont Trail, north of the driveway (the street with the covered bridge). That will leave the few parking spaces available for those that need them. 4419 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake.

WPPC Business Meeting
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The next WPPC Business Meeting will be Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The major topic of discussion will be the upcoming plant sale. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals.

Natural Landscaping Seminar
2026-02-28 08:00 - 16:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s annual Natural Landscaping Seminar will be held on February 28, 2026 at McHenry County College. Presentations will include woodland restoration from forests to front yards, plants in high-quality remnant prairies, local butterflies and their host plants and a discussion on Piping Plovers. For details, a schedule of events and a link to online registration, see the seminar webpage. The price will be a very reasonable $50 for online or early mail-in, and $55 at the door. The price will include access to all four presentations, our book table, vendor booths from local conservation organizations and our famous buffet lunch. Online registration is now closed but you may register at the door on February 28 beginning at 8am. Due to on-going construction at the college, the main doors to the commons area may be closed. The entrance to the left (under the Luecht Auditorium sign) will be open, and leads directly to the registration table.

WPPC Business Meeting
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Via Zoom, United States
The next WPPC Business Meeting will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7pm via Zoom. The major topic of discussion will be the upcoming seminar. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals.

WPPC Business Meeting
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s next Business Meeting will be Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The major topic of discussion will be next year’s budget. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals or elections.

Walk on the Wild Side, The Property of Jim & Marlene Keenan, Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10am
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:00 | The Keenan Property, 6905 South Solon Road, McHenry, IL, 60051, United States
Description: Come see the results of Jim “the Native Seed Man” and Marlene’s efforts to reconstruct a native prairie in what was once a soy bean field. You’ve seen prairies in the exuberant flush of youth in the spring,
and the robust health of middle age in summer; now experience this 4 acre prairie’s beauty as it settles into maturity at the beginning of fall. There will be asters, goldenrods, and gentians in bloom. Grasses and many flowers
will have seed heads on display. Jim earned his Ecological Restoration Certificate from McHenry County Conservation District and has a wealth of information to share. If you would like to learn how to grow a prairie, or just be surrounded by it’s autumnal beauty, do not miss this walk! All WPPC Walks on the Wild Side are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. This is not an open house. Guided walk led by the homeowners will start at 10am.

Directions: Take Rt. 31 north out of McHenry, 6 miles north of Rt. 120 turn right on Harts Rd (away from Glacial Park). Follow Harts Rd. 1.2 miles to its end, turn left (north), go .35 miles to 6905. Turn left onto blacktop drive just past white farm house. Park on grass on the left side of drive. 6905 South Solon Rd, McHenry.

Walk on the Wild Side, The Property of Kathy & Ders Anderson, Saturday, August 2, 2025, 11am & 1:30pm
2025-08-02 11:00 - 13:30 | Anderson Property, 2712 Springbrook, Bull Valley, IL, 60098, United States
Description: The Anderson restoration was started in 1981 and over the years spread to 1 ½ acres. Cows heading out to pasture in the 100+ years previously left a field of Hungarian Brome and an eroded wetland. Now the site includes a variety of mesic prairie, sedge meadow, fen, cattail marsh, oak savanna, xeric prairie, and a cool-water creek. Over 100 native tree, shrub, forb, sedge and grass species are present on the site. To keep the habitat healthy, the property is burned annually. This yard walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required. It is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowners will start at 11am and 1:30pm.
Directions: Take Walkup Road north from Rt. 176 (Crystal Lake) to Crystal Springs Rd. Turn west on Crystal Springs. Springbrook Rd is the first left after passing Col. Holcomb Estates. The property will be on the left. 2712 Springbrook Rd, Bull Valley, IL

Walk on the Wild Side, Sunday, July 20, 2025, The Property of Mike Gallery & Donna Hriljac, 11am & 1pm
2025-07-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Gallery/Hriljac Property, 7911 Bennington Court, Bull Valley, IL, 60098, United States
Description: Please join us for a tour of a 2+ acre restored prairie in Bull Valley! The walk will be on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the property of Mike Gallery and Donna Hriljac. Walks will begin at 11am and 1pm. Mike and Donna write: Our prairie restoration work encompasses 2 1/4 acres. We began restoring in 2017. Initially we were faced with little more than Hungarian Brome, an invasive grass from Europe, in our 2 acre section and plain old lawn grass in the 1/4 acre backyard section. So starting from scratch, we burned the brome in the 2 acre piece, we worked to remove invasives like honeysuckle and buckthorn and we cut all manner of out-of-control growths like dogwood, autumn olives and an overabundance of walnut trees. With that complete, we seeded the first acre in 2018 with the Pollinator Palooza seed mix from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota.
After a two year break, we seeded our 1/4 acre backyard in 2020 with a Shortgrass Woods Edge seed mix and seeded the second acre of the 2 acre piece in 2021 again using the Pollinator Palooza seed mix. The result of this staggered seeding is that we have 2 1/4 acres of prairies in different stages of development. When we host our garden walk, one acre will be 7 years old, the other acre will be 4 years old and our backyard 1/4 acre project will also be 4 years old. This results in the opportunity for some interesting comparisons about one acre’s plants versus the other’s versus the backyard’s mix. In July, we expect a wide variety of plants to be flowering on all sections. We welcome anyone who is interested in prairie restoration for their yards or communities or is just curious!

This yard walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required. The walk is not an open house. Guided tours led by the homeowners will begin at 11am and 1pm.
Directions: 7911 Bennington Court, Bull Valley, IL, 60098. Take Bull Valley Rd to S. Valley Hill Rd. Turn north (left turn coming from Woodstock, right turn from McHenry). Turn right onto Concord Dr, go for 0.3 miles. Turn left at the “T” intersection to stay on Concord. After 0.5 miles, turn left again onto N. Concord Dr, go for 270 feet. Turn right on Bennington Ct.

Walk on the Wild Side, The property of Stacy & Mike Iwanicki, Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11am & 1pm
2025-06-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Iwanicki Property, 9100 Marissa Trail, Wonder Lake, IL, United States
Directions: Stacy and Mike Iwanicki have been naturalizing their yard since building their home in 2003. Former farm fields now support over 100 species of prairie, savannah, woodland and wetland plants. The Iwanicki prairie is the naturalized portion covering 3/4 of an acre of their 1.24 acre lot. The remaining areas of more formalized landscape feature primarily native species too. The d-rain garden was added to their front ditch in the spring of 2008, the year of their last Natural Yard walk, has taken hold and now features blue flag iris and Canada anemone among other wet tolerant prairie plants. The d-rain garden is back-dropped on higher ground by ninebark, indigo bush, a white oak, American plum and most recently, northern bush honeysuckle. In late June, the main Iwanicki Prairie is dominated by purple coneflower and monarda, accented by orange butterfly weed and yellow coreopsis. Meandering paths lead to many surprises along the way! This yard walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required. It is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowners will start at 11am and 1pm.
Directions: The Deerpath subdivision is on the west side of Wonder Lake south of Wondermere Road between Greenwood Road to the west and Thompson Road to the east. From Wondermere, turn south onto Adam. Follow to Twin Oaks and turn right. Go two streets to White Tail and turn left. Follow the curvy road to Marissa and go left to 9100 Marissa Trail – third house on left. Park in drive and along road as necessary. If lost, call Stacy at 815-236-2423. 9100 Marissa Trail, Wonder Lake, IL

Walk on the Wild Side, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10am & 12pm at the Property of Chrissy and H.M. Hepperlen
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Hepperlen Property, 6508 N Wyndwood Drive, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Description: The WPPC’s spring Walk on the Wild Side will be Saturday, May 10, 10am and 12pm at the home of Chrissy and H.M. Hepperlen. They describe their yard: We planted the first natives on our property back in 2006 as part of the WPPC’s Natural Garden in Your Yard mentoring program. Those went into a prairie garden on a south-facing sandy hillside. Over the next couple of years we expanded that garden to encompass the whole of the hillside. From there we turned to the opposite corner of the yard which was wooded and shady. After several years of cutting Buckthorn, sawing Honeysuckle and spraying Garlic Mustard we started to see some native woodland species such as Solomon’s Seal and Mayapples re-emerge from the seed bank. Over time, we added dozens more species dug from local yards and purchased from the WPPC’s annual plant sale.
There are several new Oaks and Hickories that have appeared since the area was cleared, and we’ve transplanted several other trees such as Pagoda Dogwood, Ironwood and Witch Hazel. In mid-May there should be many woodland species blooming including Virginia Bluebells, Celandine Poppy, Woodland Phlox, Red/Yellow/White Trillium, Foam Flower, Rue Anemone, Wild Geranium and possibly Lady’s Slipper Orchids. Please join us! This walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required. This is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowners will start at 10am and 12pm.
Directions: 6508 N. Wyndwood Drive, Crystal Lake, 60014. From Crystal Lake, take Rt 14 toward Cary. Turn left at Sands Rd which is the stop light near the Home Depot. Cross the railroad tracks, go a half mile and turn right on Wyndwood Drive. Follow the road a half mile or so back, go around the bend to the left and we are the first driveway on the right after passing Lindsay Lane. Parking is available on Lindsay Lane and on Wyndwood Drive in front of the house.

Walk on the Wild Side, The Property of Gretchen & Tim Madsen, Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:45am
2024-08-10 10:45 | IL
Description: This is the second of two walks today. Our yard is the culmination of (thankfully) minimal blood, lots of sweat, and tears of joy! Our journey began in 2019 with our WPPC mentee garden. From those first plant babies going in the ground, we knew we were hooked and our native gardens have continued to expand and multiply over the years. Our 160 year old home serves as the backdrop to many charming, cottage style gardens bursting with Liatris, Rudbeckias, and Milkweeds. Highlights include flagstone paths that meander through blooms, a small waterfall and pond, a robust vegetable garden, and a sprinkling of garden baubles to add a touch of whimsy. Come listen to the buzz of the pollinators while we share the peaks and valleys of our chaotic adventure in native gardening! This is not an open house. The guided walk led by the homeowner will begin at 10:45. The walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required.
Directions: From the Knobloch/Taylor property, take Paddock back to Wilmot Rd and turn right. Turn right on Main St Rd. The house will be the first one on the right. 1202 Main St Rd, Spring Grove.

Walk on the Wild Side, The Property of Drew Knobloch & Robin Taylor, Saturday, August 10, 2024, 9:30am
2024-08-10 09:30 | The Knobloch/Taylor Property, 1106 Paddock Road, Spring Grove, IL, 60081, United States
Description: This is the first of two walks today. This beautiful yard showcases various young native prairie gardens started from seed! Enjoy the blooms of Spotted Bee Balm, Compass Plants, Ironweed, and Black-Eyed Susans while seeing the progression of the prairie gardens. This yard offers a unique opportunity to compare the different stages of growth as the plants transform and mature over time. Learn about the process of starting a prairie from seed and hear stories about the hurdles and victories of the journey. Additionally, a new garden planned through the WPPC’s mentoring program was installed in 2023 which will offer a growth comparison of starting from seed versus using plugs. This walk is a must for anyone considering starting their own prairie! This is not an open house. The guided walk led by the homeowner will begin at 9:30am. The walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required. When this tour is complete we will depart to the Madsen property for the day’s second garden walk.
Directions: Take Rt 31 north through McHenry, turn right on Johnsburg Rd. Continue on the road, and past Johnsburg it will turn into Wilmot Rd. North of Rt 12, Paddock is the first road on the left after passing Main St Rd. The property will be on the right. 1106 Paddock Rd, Spring Grove.

Walk on the Wild Side, Native's Haven Nursery, Sunday, July 21, 11am & 2pm
2024-07-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Native’s Haven Nursery, 13809 Durkee Rd., Harvard, IL, 60033, United States
Description: This walk will take place at Native’s Haven Nursery on Sunday, July 21, 2024. The walk is free of charge, and no pre-registration is required. Guided tours of the property will begin at 11am and 2pm. Bill and Terrie Warzecha, the owners of Native’s Haven, describe their wonderful property as follows: We bought the 6-1/4 acre property in 2005, and it was farmland. After that, we began the transformation of the corn/soybean field. We began planning and planting from the property’s backyard line, then the house was built. We planted both non-native and native plants on the part of the property that was our vision to become a nursery. When we were designing and planting, it wasn’t our intention to have a native plant nursery. It was going to be called “Ponds and Petals,” featuring water gardens and plants.
We decided to dedicate about 1.5 acres to a native plant prairie and planted a prairie mix of wild flowers and grasses containing 100 different species of native wildflowers and grasses to bloom continuously late spring through fall. A few years down the road, we saw how the natives grew and thrived without watering and how much life the prairie was attracting, and from that realization, we decided why not make this a native plant nursery? It was a no-brainer!
We researched and studied all about native plants and networked with native plant experts (like the wonderful WPPC and TLC members). Our vision was to create a nursery where you would be able to observe native plants available for retail purchase in a natural setting. We also wanted to feature formal beds landscaped in a way to provide design ideas to showcase how native plants can be used even in smaller settings, such as subdivisions or urban properties with minimal garden space, where a more manicured look is desired.
In 2016, we opened the doors to Natives Haven Nursery! Throughout the nursery, we placed signs in beds containing information on the plants’ characteristics, such as native range, etc. These signs also include fun facts on how early Native Americans used the native plants for medicine, clothing, shelter, etc. Several plants on the property are on the federally threatened and endangered list.
We invite you to take the time to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits Natives Haven’s gardens have to offer. Stroll the meandering paths surrounded by wildflower display beds. A large pond with a fountain is nestled in between. Along the way, sit at one of our many benches where you are encouraged to watch or just listen to the birds and pollinators. It is soothing to the soul! You will be astounded at the amount of birds, butterflies and pollinators these native plants attract!
After the WPPC “Walk on the Wild Side” today, you will have an opportunity to purchase plants.
Directions: Take Rt. 47 north out of Woodstock heading towards Hebron. Turn left (west) on Thayer Road. Go two miles to Johnson Road. Turn right (north). One mile to Durkee Road. Turn left. Property is on the corner of Johnson and Durkee Road. 13809 Durkee Rd, Harvard. Please park on Durkee Road.

WPPC Annual Meeting
2024-07-18 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s Annual Meeting will be Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The major topic of discussion will be the Executive Board elections. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals or elections.

Walk on the Wild Side, Lake in the Hills Fen, Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10am
2024-06-22 10:00 | Barbara Key Park, 9191 Pyott Road, Lake in the Hills, IL, 60156, United States
Description: This walk will be led by Dave Schwaegler, who is a steward at the Lake in the Hills Fen. Lake in the Hills Fen is a dedicated Illinois Nature preserve featuring three diverse habitats: dry hill prairies, sedge meadows, and rare and beautiful fens. You will have the opportunity to take a few steps into a fen. If you’re adventurous, prepare for cold spring water a couple of inches deep flowing over a solid gravel bed. With a plant inventory of over 600 species, nearly 500 native, we are sure to see some interesting flowers. Here are a few that typically bloom in late June: Prairie Smoke in Seed, Low Calamint, Prairie Cinquefoil, Pale Purple Coneflowers, Hill’s Thistle, Toothed Evening Primrose, Narrow-leaved Loosestrife and Marsh Woundwort. Photos of Prairie Smoke and Narrow-leaved Loosestrife are below. In addition to the flora, late June is a great time to see grassland birds and butterflies. We will surely hear, if not see, Henslow’s sparrows. Perhaps we will see a colorful Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. For a map of Barbara Key Park (Gateway to the Fen), a photo album and additional information, see https://lithfen.org/. Dave has also published videos, including some of the fen, on his YouTube channel. This is a guided walk that will start at 10am. The walk is free of charge and no registration is required.
Directions: We will meet in the Barbara Key Park (9191 Pyott Rd, LITH) parking lot off of Pyott Rd in Lake in the Hills. From Rakow Road, take Pyott Road south toward Algonquin. Barbara Key Park will be on the right before you get to Algonquin Road. Follow the entrance road back to the parking lot.

Walk on the Wild Side, Trout Valley Fen, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 2pm
2024-05-11 14:00 | Trout Valley Fen, 167 Country Commons Rd, Trout Valley, IL, United States
Description: The Fen in Trout Valley is common land that is approximately 8 acres in size and is located on either side of Trout Valley Road. Until a few years ago the fen was overgrown with invasive species including significant accumulations of buckthorn, burning bush, honeysuckle and garlic mustard that threatened the native plants (including one of the finest stands of skunk cabbage in Northeast Illinois). A number of Trout Valley residents have been working since 2015 to remove these invasive shrubs. This effort has resulted in several benefits including increased densities of under-story native plants and shrubs, reduced sheet erosion, increased ground water infiltration and increased native species diversity. The volunteers, commonly known as the Fensters, have created walking trails throughout the fen with a combined length of nearly ¾ of a mile. The walk will be led by one of the Fensters, David Hall. Expect to see some nice areas of Virginia Bluebells, Skunk Cabbage and Marsh Marigolds, among other plants. This is a guided walk and will begin at 2pm. The walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required.
Directions: The walk will begin at the Trout Valley Barn, 167 Country Commons Rd, Trout Valley. Heading southeast through Cary on Rt 14, turn right onto Cary Algonquin Rd at the stop light. Country Commons Rd will be the second left (Country Commons Shopping Center on the corner). Veer left at the 3-way to stay on Country Commons, then an immediate right into the Barn driveway.

WPPC's Annual Native Plant Sale
2024-05-05 12:00 - 15:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s Annual Native Plant Sale will be Sunday, May 5, 2024 in the commons area at McHenry County College. The sale runs from noon until 3, but it’s best to arrive early as many of our most popular species sell out quickly. We often have a line forming before 11:30. We offer native plants for many habitats, so there will be something for you no matter if your yard is sunny, shady, wet or dry. This year’s sale will offer over 130 species with prices generally in the $4 to $9 range. Plant availability changes from year to year, but here is a plant list of what should be available. In addition to plants native to northern Illinois we will have a a selection of books available for sale as well as a vendor offering heirloom vegetable plants and herbs. Not sure how to incorporate native plants into your yard? Here is a resource with sample gardens and plant lists for various habitats.

WPPC Business Meeting
2024-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The next WPPC Business Meeting will be Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The major topic of discussion will be the upcoming plant sale. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals.

Natural Landscaping Seminar
2024-02-17 08:00 - 16:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s annual Natural Landscaping Seminar will be held on February 17, 2024 at McHenry County College. We’ll feature presentations on controlling invasive plants, design techniques for a native garden, manaaging tree diseases and pests and our wonderful cyclical Cicadas. See our seminar page for more information, registration links and a schedule of events. The price will be $45 for online or mail-in registration or $50 at the door. This includes access to all four presentations, our book table, vendor booths from local conservation organizations and our famous buffet lunch. Online registration will be open from January 2, 2024 until February 11, 2024.

WPPC Business Meeting
2024-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Via Zoom, United States
The next WPPC Business Meeting will be Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7pm via Zoom. The major topic of discussion will be the upcoming seminar. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals.

WPPC Sponsored Movie – Fluddles
2023-11-28 18:30 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC (along with McHenry County Audubon and Friends of Hackmatack) will sponsor a viewing of the movie “Fluddles” on Tuesday, November 28 at 6:30 pm in the Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College. The movie, produced and directed by Bob Dolgan, explores life around vernal pools and marshes in our area. Following the screening there will be a question and answer period with local experts on the movie’s subjects. Admission is free of charge and no pre-registration is required.

WPPC Business Meeting
2023-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s next Business Meeting will be Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals or elections.

Walk on the Wild Side, Dorothy & Joe Robin, Saturday, September 16, 2023, 10am
2023-09-16 10:00 | The Robin Property, 4410 Billingsgate Lane, Woodstock, IL, United States
Description: This 3 acre property has a variety of habitats: pond, steep slope, partial forest and dry and sunny. The native gardens range from brand new to 5 years old. Come learn from our mistakes and successes! Some of our planting goals have been to create low maintenance gardens in each habitat, provide food and shelter for wildlife, create areas of interest with various ‘rooms’ and paths and to complement the neighbors’ yards. Ever since we started putting native plants in, we haven’t needed to buy chrysanthemums in the fall since we have an abundance of color created by the native plants. You should receive a colorful welcome during this mid-September walk. We’ll discuss the various habitats, plants, design features and tree ID. All WPPC garden walks are free of charge and there is no pre-registration required. This is not an open house. The guided walk led by the homeowners will start at the posted time.

Directions: From Woodstock proceed North on Route 47. At the next intersection north of Charles Rd make a sharp left on Raycraft. Turn Right/West on Jankowski and proceed 1.3 miles. Turn right (north) on Billingsgate. We are on the East side of the road at the north-east corner of Appleby Court and Billingsgate Lane. 4410 Billingsgate Ln, Woodstock, IL 60098

Walk on the Wild Side, Butternut Preserve and Griffith Property, Saturday, August 5, 2023, 10am
2023-08-05 10:00 - 11:15 | Butternut Preserve, 100 Ballard Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Description: We will meet in front of West Elementary School and walk a short distance to Butternut Preserve where site stewards Judi Stuck and Nicole Griffith will guide us through the beautiful 16 acre preserve along the Kishwaukee River. A path leads through the tall grass prairie and crosses over a bridge and through woodlands with a diversity of trees and shrubs. Buckthorn removal is an ongoing activity here! Many rare warblers and other migrating birds stop here to refuel in the spring and fall. Natives are continually added to provide food for them along with the many resident birds. Learn about Meercat Mountain–a favorite destination at Butternut! Afterward, we will be walking four blocks to the next walk at the property of Nicole and Mike Griffith. They live in an older neighborhood where an aging lawn is giving way to gardens that are alive with native plantings. Thanks to the help of the WPPC’s mentoring program, this bit of earth they call their own is shared with a myriad of butterflies and birds. Come and enjoy a peek at sun and shade gardens! All WPPC Walks on the Wild Side are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. Guided walk led by the site stewards starts at the posted time.

Directions: From the intersection of Rt.14 and Rt.176 go west on Rt.176, passing Lippold Park. At stop light turn left (south) onto Briarwood Dr.and proceed to the stop sign, turn right (west) onto Ballard Rd. Park in front of West Elementary School, 100 Ballard Rd, Crystal Lake. If the small lot in front of the school is full, there is more parking in the back lot.

WPPC Annual Meeting
2023-07-20 19:00 - 21:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s Annual Meeting will be Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 7pm in the McHenry County College Commons area. The major topic of discussion will be the Executive Board elections. The public is welcome, but only WPPC voting members may vote on proposals or elections.

Walk on the Wild Side, Jim & Marlene Keenan, Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10am
2023-07-15 10:00 - 11:30 | The Keenan Property, 6905 South Solon Road, McHenry, IL, 60051, United States
Description: Come see the results of Jim “the Native Seed Man” and Marlene’s efforts to reconstruct a native prairie in what was once a soy bean field. You will see a progression of prairies, started in 2006 with seed gathered in McHenry County. You can compare seeded prairie to that planted with plugs. Many of the over 150 species will be in bloom. Jim earned his Ecological Restoration Certificate from McHenry County Conservation District and has a wealth of information to share. If you would like to learn how to grow a prairie, or just be surrounded by it’s beauty, do not miss this walk! All WPPC Walks on the Wild Side are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. This is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowners start only at the posted time.

Directions: Take Rt. 31 north out of McHenry, 6 miles north of Rt. 120 turn right on Harts Rd (away from Glacial Park). Follow Harts Rd. 1.2 miles to its end, turn left (north), go .35 miles to 6905. Turn left onto blacktop drive just past white farm house. Park on grass on the left side of drive. 6905 South Solon Rd, McHenry.

Walk on the Wild Side, Ken Williams & Christine Nye, Saturday, June 24, 2023, 9:30am & 11am
2023-06-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Williams/Nye Property, 5109 W Shore Dr, McHenry, IL, 60050, United States
Description: Our yard consists of a prairie garden, a native shrub-land garden, a mixed shrub-land garden, various native borders, two vegetable gardens, an herb garden and some spots of lawn. Of particular interest is the wide diversity of plant material and our efforts to control weeds and stabilize the compositions using cool season ground covers. This yard is a great example of how good native plants can look in a collection of gardens that have been well-planned and meticulously cared for. All WPPC walks are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. This is not an open house. Guided walks will be led by the homeowners at the specified times.

Directions: From Rt. 31 in McHenry go west on Rt. 120 (Elm). Just before the H & R Block office turn right (north) on Beach Rd. Take Beach Rd all the way into the West Beach parking lot and park there. Walk two doors west and cross the street. People with mobility issues can park in front of the house. Please park completely on the lawn, leaving room to walk on the grass between the vehicle and the street. Street is busy with cars, bikes and pedestrians and we like to leave room. 5109 Shore Dr, McHenry.

Walk on the Wild Side, Deb Lakowski, Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10am & 2pm
2023-05-20 10:00 - 14:00 | The Lakowski Property, 3406 S. Kilkenny Dr, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Description: A number of paths traverse through this 3/4 of an acre restored native woodland with more than 175 different native plant species including 50+ Oak Trees and 30+ Hickories. Sedges and forbs bloom throughout the season. In May the yard will feature blooming Trillium, Virginia Bluebells and Spring Beauties to name a few. There will also be many mid-season plants emerging from the woodland floor. Deb started naturalizing the property in 1998. Her motivation was to eliminate invasive plants and attract butterflies and birds to the woods. Her first love has always been butterflies, and the pretty flowers are a by-product of the process. All WPPC Walks on the Wild Side are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. This is not an open house. Guided walks led by the homeowner start only at the posted times.

Directions: From Crystal Lake, take Crystal Lake Ave east across Rt. 31. About a mile past 31, turn right onto Kilkenny Dr. The road will wrap around on itself. Follow it all the way to the cul de sac at the end. Parking is available on the street. 3406 S Kilkenny Dr, Crystal Lake.

The WPPC's Native Plant Sale will be Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 12pm to 3pm
2023-05-07 12:00 - 15:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The WPPC’s annual Native Plant Sale will be Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 12pm to 3pm in the commons area of McHenry County College. The entrance to the commons area is located on the south side of the campus, which is the opposite side from the intersection with the stop light (Rte 14 and Lucas Rd/Tartan Dr). We’ll have a full selection of natives on hand for sunny, shady or moist areas of your property. Plant selection varies from year to year, but this plant list shows species that are normally available. There will be a selection of heirloom vegetable and herb plants for sale as well. Be sure to arrive early as many species sell out quickly! We often have people lining up by 11am. Would you like to learn more about native plants, gardening with them, their habitats and the insects they attract? We’ll also have a book table with an extensive selection of titles on our natural world.
