Events

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

This is a business meeting that is open to all members

How can we detect that we are in an old growth forest or one very similar to old growth? How much old growth is left in the eastern half of the U. S.? We will explore the idea of old growth forests. We will visually interpret and visit candidate old growth forests in NW Indiana and SW Michigan!

Spencer Cortwright grew up in Riverside, Illinois—near, but not in, Brookfield Zoo—with the zoo and Cook County Forest Preserves serving as his earliest nature stomping grounds. He earned a biology degree from Washington University in St. Louis, then sharpened his ecological expertise at Indiana University (at the time, not exactly known for football).

Following a postdoctoral stint in ecology research and teaching at the University of Michigan (very much a football powerhouse), Dr. Cortwright joined the faculty at Indiana University Northwest, where he has taught since 1992. He has studied amphibian ecology for more than a quarter-century and restoration ecology for nearly as long, with plenty of overlap between the two. Otherwise, he jokes he’d be far too decrepit to be doing much of anything at all!

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.