Wild Things 2025

Great Lakes basin wetlands are rapidly degrading with anthropogenic influence, thus losing functions to mitigate climate change effects and provide biodiversity refugia. To understand shifts in wetland communities, we developed two spatial models to understand the relationship between changing wetland community structure and rare species diversity. The first presenter will share results on how freighter wake wave action impacts wetland plant community identity and structure in the St. Marys river, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Shifting in scale, the second presenter will share results on how how wetland plant community drives Utricularia (Bladderwort) species diversity and distribution across Michigan

The appreciation of light isn’t just for photographers. It is a gift for everyone, particularly those seeking to enhance their connection with nature. We frequently focus on the physical elements, like plants and geology, while ignoring the intangible yet significant contributions of our life-giving star.
 
In this performance, renowned nature photographer and acclaimed author and entertainer, Mike MacDonald, unveils breathtaking natural images of the Chicago region on a grand scale, inviting audiences to experience a fresh perspective on the world. He illustrates how our Sun can magically transform familiar and already stunning landscapes into extraordinary realms of enchantment and rediscovery.

In November 2023, spurred by the question of a 5th grade student, the Prairie School of DuPage began a journey that linked civics and science. After studying state symbols, the entire Upper Elementary class began the rigorous process of ensuring Illinois could designate an Illinois state mushroom species. Through the process of gathering qualitative and quantitative data and working with local state legislatures, students decided to advocate for the Giant puffball. Learn how students made history ensuring that SB3514 passed into law in August 2024.

The Art of collecting trees, shrubs, and vines seed for propagation, the talk will included the selection of plants, seed collection, seed processing, and stratification. I will talk what we do commercially. Also include how home owners and and how to successfully secede in collecting , storage, for succesful seedling growing,

The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) works across the Americas to address alarming declines in bird populations, in part by restoring and protecting the habitats these species depend on. Much of this habitat is privately owned, making conservation efforts on private lands absolutely essential. One way that ABC works with private landowners is by partnering with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). One such program offered in this area focuses on protecting and restoring oak ecosystems. Oak habitat is disproportionately valuable to a long list of wildlife species and is facing critical regeneration issues which threaten their persistence across the region. This presentation will go over threats to our oak ecosystems and the birds that depend on them, and how financial and technical assistance offered by RCPP can advance stewardship on private lands.