East Central Illinois Master Naturalists

09/11/2026

The East Central Illinois Master Naturalists are once again hosting their Native Tree, Shrub & Forbs Sale, promoting the use of Illinois native plants in our landscapes. Visit go.illinois.edu/NativeSale for all the details!

09/11/2026

🍃A tiny seed faces a big challenge: finding the right place, germinating at the right time, and growing into a plant capable of surviving an ever-changing environment. Plants have evolved an incredible variety of strategies to make it happen!

Register today at go.illinois.edu/ECIMNprairie
East Central Illinois Master Naturalists Present: From Seed to Prairie

09/04/2026

🌱Every plant starts with a seed—but what happens next? From dispersal and germination to surviving disturbance and changing conditions, plants have developed some truly remarkable strategies to thrive.

Join Dr. Henn, assistant professor in the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, as he explores the fascinating world of plant establishment and what it means for prairie restoration, management, and conservation.

Register today at go.illinois.edu/ECIMNprairie
East Central Illinois Master Naturalists Present: From Seed to Prairie

08/17/2026

Worried about climate change? Be part of the solution. Learn how to build a stronger, more resilient community by taking the Illinois Climate Stewards Training this fall!

From extreme heat to frequent flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Learn how to build climate-strong communities with this four-week short course that covers:
• Local public opinions and knowledge on climate
• Strategies for navigating the social and psychological aspects of climate work
• Tools for effective communication about climate impacts
Connect with local leaders, build relationships, and leave empowered with practical strategies to take action.

Sessions are available in Quincy, the Chicago area, Champaign, Naperville, and Vienna starting Oct. 14.
Learn more and sign up at https://go.illinois.edu/ClimateStewards

08/06/2026

This is one you won't want to miss! Sign up today at go.illinois.edu/EdibleWildPath

🌿Ever wondered what edible treasures are growing right outside your door? Join Illinois Extension for a beginner-friendly seasonal foraging course! Learn how to safely identify and harvest wild foods, explore nature on a guided hike, and finish the day by preparing delicious recipes with your foraged finds.

Visit go.illinois.edu/EdibleWildPath for more information or to register!

07/14/2026

You can help shape solutions to food waste! Take a 10-minute survey about meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and what happens in the kitchen at https://go.illinois.edu/FoodWasteSurvey

Your thoughts on what works well for your household and what is challenging will help guide food waste prevention programs that support cost savings, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.

Questions? Contact Ashley Belle at [email protected].

06/28/2026

This popular showstopper in landscapes is also a favorite among bees!

For Week, we are spotlighting Black-eyed Susan, whose two-toned appearance under UV light helps attract pollinators to the center for nectar and pollen. They do best in full sun and are tolerant of warmer temperatures and drought.

-Bloom Time: May, June, July, August, September
-Pollinators They Attract: Bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, beetles, caterpillars

🔗 Find out more about Black-Eyed Susan at https://illinoispollinators.org/plant/black-eyed-susan/

🔗Learn how to design a pollinator habitat at https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-habitat-design/

06/26/2026

Sometimes this species mimics the color of others to appear more harmful than it is.

For , we're spotlighting swallowtails! These members of the Papilionidae family are usually large and brightly colored with tail-like extensions on their hindwings. They also have three pairs of walking legs.

To fend off predators, several swallowtail species mimic the color of toxic species. They are also known for being distasteful and causing regurgitation when consumed by predators.

🔗 Find out more about butterflies as pollinators at https://illinoispollinators.org/what-are-pollinators/butterflies/

🔗 Learn about swallowtail specieshttps://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/swallowtail_fact_sheet_2021.pdf

🔗 Explore more pollinators and plants at Illinois Pollinators at https://pollinators.illinois.edu

06/26/2026

Taking on a shrubby appearance, these Baptisia plants are slow-growing but can add multi-seasonal interest to your landscape and shelter for butterflies.

For Week, we are spotlighting White Wild Indigo, a plant that looks like asparagus shoots in its early stages of growth and blooms with tightly spaced spikes of white, pea-shaped flowers. After flowering, Baptisia may produce 2- to 3-inch-long seed pods that turn black as they mature. The plants die back in winter, but can be left for winter interest. They host butterfly species, including orange sulfur, clouded sulfur, frosted elfin, and eastern tailed blue.

-Bloom Time: May, June
-Pollinators They Attract: Butterflies, moths, bumblebees, caterpillars

🔗 Find out more about White Wild Indigo at https://illinoispollinators.org/plant/white-wild-indigo/
🔗 Learn more about Baptisia and the different types at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2025-05-30-baptisia-bold-beautiful-and-underused-native-perennials
🔗 Explore more pollinators and plants at Illinois Pollinators at https://pollinators.illinois.edu