Storm Drain Stenciling-May 12, 2025 (7:00-9:00am): CANCELLED
2025-05-12 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the Ecology Action Center for some Storm Drain Stenciling! This volunteer activity educates residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution, and provides information on how to reduce individual contributions to storm water runoff pollution. Join us to stencil “Drains to Stream, Keep it Clean” at neighborhood storm drains and distribute informational door hangers to remind residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution and how they can prevent it. Participants must be 18 years or older or 12-17 years old and accompanied by a guardian.
More information regarding location and parking will be sent on the day before the volunteer day. This volunteer event needs a minimum of 6 people. Please register each participant individually. Please note that registration is required for this event. Registration will end at noon the day before the volunteer event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.
*Please note that this event has been cancelled due to low signups.*

Unique Adaptations in Prairie Plants
2025-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 | 805 S Cottage Ave Normal IL, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal
The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is one of the rarest ecosystems in the world. It’s home to plants uniquely adapted to their soil microorganisms, precipitation, pollinators, and light conditions. On May 12 at 7pm Sydney Metternich will talk about how prairie plant species are adapted to their soil microbial communities and consider how those communities change with the level of precipitation across the Midwestern United States. Hear about the performance of pale-spike lobelia (Lobelia spicata), round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) in recent research by the Byers Lab at Illinois State University. Learn how adaptations in prairie plants can shift our expectations to their future success and how this work applies to planting your own garden spaces.

Note: This program will be held in-person and by livestream. A link to join the livestream will be posted to the Illinois Prairie Wild Ones website below closer to the program date. A recording of the program will be made available to chapter members soon after the program.
