Wild Ones Lake-To-Prairie Chapter

Grayslake, IL

Native Plant Society

About

Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter is a dedicated native plant conservation organization serving the Grayslake, Illinois area and surrounding communities. Founded in 1996 by Prairie Crossing residents inspired by Wild Ones national mission, the chapter has spent nearly three decades promoting environmentally sound landscaping practices that restore and preserve natural habitats reminiscent of northern Illinois's pre-settlement ecosystems. The chapter bridges two historical ecological regions—the Lake Michigan and Des Plaines River watershed to the east and the prairies to the west—making it uniquely positioned to educate the public about biodiversity conservation through native landscaping. Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie offers engaging programs, informative speaker series, field trips, and workshops designed to inspire both beginner and expert native plant enthusiasts to transform their yards into thriving native plant communities. By joining the chapter, members support local conservation initiatives, receive the bi-monthly Wild Ones Journal, and gain access to expert knowledge about native plants, pollinators, and sustainable landscaping practices that promote a healthier, more diverse environment.

Programs

Speaker series on sustainable landscaping
Field trips and nature walks
Workshops on native plant landscaping
Forest preserve walks
Native plant education programs
Webinars on native ecology and horticulture
Bird garden creation workshops

Focus Areas

Native PlantsHabitat GardeningEducation