Current Programs Offered

Illinois’ nickname is “The Prairie State.” Listen to stories of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.”

 Discover the fascinating and bizarre lives of these fliers--with plenty of group fun and lively interaction during the presentation. From their unusual life cycle of transformation, mystifying migratory habits, and their struggle for survival, there is plenty to discover and marvel about! Hear their cultural history, including some of the myths and superstitions that surround them. See close-up beautiful photography of some of our dragonflies in Illinois. Then discover how you can garden  to attract these remarkable flying creatures. 

 Throughout Illinois’ history, people have used the prairie as a grocery store, pharmacy, art supply shop and even a place to find love potions. Discover the intriguing stories behind these rugged tallgrass plants and some of their beauty and utility in the garden today.

Join master gardener and natural history writer Cindy Crosby for a fun look at gardens in literature and poetry. From Agatha Christie's mystery series, to Brother Cadfael's medieval herb garden, to Michael Pollan's garden in "Second Nature," to the "secret garden" beloved of children's literature, there are so many gardens that helped shape the books we love to read. Discover how gardens and garden imagery figure in the works of Mary Oliver, Henry Mitchell, Barbara Kingsolver,  Lewis Carroll--and many more! See your garden with new eyes --- and come away with a list of books you can’t wait to explore.

There’s nothing like a blast of beautiful wildflower color after a long winter! Hear stories about our earliest spring wildflowers, their folklore and their uses throughout history by Native Americans and early settlers.  Be inspired to add some of Illinois’ wildflowers to your own garden.

From oaks to sugar maples to the American chestnut: trees changed the course of American history. Trees built our railroads, influenced our literature and poetry, and even our music!  Discover the roles of a few of our favorite garden trees in building our nation as you remember and celebrate the trees influential in your personal history and your garden.