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. All your favorites are here: trillium, spring beauties, Virginia bluebells, and more! 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. 

Include native Illinois prairie plants in your garden and watch the pollinators arrive! Small yard? Big yard? Native prairie plants can make a ho-hum garden intriguing and exciting.  Learn what Illinois native prairie plants work well in a home garden setting, and how to choose the best plants for your location. Listen to some of these plants’ stories, and find out how to create gorgeous theme gardens to display them.

Enjoy the delights of the tallgrass prairie in winter through this interactive program.  Enjoy lovely photography of the snow-covered prairie as you hear stories of how animals, pollinators, and birds use the prairie for overwintering. Discover what prairie plants look great in winter, in terms of structure, seeds, and even color. Then, listen to prairie readings that will spark your creativity and warm your soul.

Join Cindy for a fun talk on birds and their place in cultural history. Birds have influenced classical and pop music, and are the focus of films, books, and works of art in textiles, painting, sculpture, and more! Gardeners, conservationists, and those who love feeding birds in their backyards and planting bird-friendly gardens  will all warm to this "something different"  type of program. 

Learn how Illinois' "Landscape of Home" has been immortalized in art, literature and music in this quick tour through artists, musicians, and writers who celebrate the prairie in their work. Discover how sharing the prairie through many different mediums helps engage and connect people with the idea of conservation and restoration.  Then, reflect on how you can share prairie and native plants in your own creative efforts.

Hear how Illinois' original garden, the tallgrass prairie, has been shaped by bison.  Learn how these charismatic megafauna are being restored to Illinois  prairies. Listen to tales of their connections, both historical and  contemporary, to some Native American tribes. Discover the ways bison have been portrayed in music, literature, art and popular culture as you view images of these fascinating creatures. 

All programs run one hour, with an optional 30 minutes for Q&A immediately following. Cindy can host your program on Zoom (up to 100 people) or as an in-person event. Need a different program? 

Let Cindy know!

Contact Cindy at phrelanzer@gmail.com for current program and mileage costs.

Thank you for your interest!