Apr 30, 2025 ● By Kelsay Shaw
To support native bird populations, focus on creating a safe habitat with native plants and trees. Planting for insects, diversity in micro-habitats, and providing flowering forbs can help.
Mar 31, 2025
Possibility Place Nursery's retail store opens April 1 at 7548 W Monee-Manhattan Rd, Monee. Shop native trees, shrubs & perennials. Online store open year-round. Details: 708-534-3988, PossibilityPlace.com
Join True Wellness: Nurturing Our Bodies, Souls & Planet on May 3, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. in Lisle. Enjoy yoga, meditation & a cooking class. Free! Info: 630-955-1200. Register: Bit.ly/TrueRetreat.
Allume Foundation offers organizing & home services to create peaceful spaces. Proceeds support a schoolhouse renovation near Starved Rock. Free consults! Call 847-989-5721 for details.
Thrive Mushrooms in Kankakee grows lion’s mane, oyster & reishi mushrooms year-round. Shop fresh mushrooms, teas & coffee blends. Order at ThriveMushroom.com or call 312-978-2885.
Mar 31, 2025 ● By Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
April brings spring crops, like fresh, tender asparagus! For the best flavor, buy locally. Try this recipe: Asparagus, Parmesan, and Red Onion Salad—fresh, simple, and delicious.
Mar 31, 2025 ● By M.D. Skeet (“Skeet”)
If trees could talk, diagnosing their ailments would be easy. Arborists use lab tests, pest management, and pruning to keep trees healthy. Beneficial insects and trunk injections aid treatment.
Mar 31, 2025 ● By Melinda Myers
Welcome spring with colorful flowers like pansies and snapdragons, plus cool-season veggies. Add structure with kale, chard, and edible blooms. Spring shrubs, trees, and evergreens enhance beauty.
Mar 29, 2025
Join the Spring Birding Experience May 4, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Keshav’s Garden, Darien. Enjoy expert talks, hands-on activities & birding tips. Free! Info: ippl.libcal.com/event/13688866.
Feb 28, 2025
The Orchid Show: India Blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden through March 23. See 10,000+ orchids, cultural displays, Holi hues & more. Orchids After Hours offers evenings with cocktails.
Mayslake Peabody Estate hosts Pollinator Blitz on March 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with expert talks, activities & exhibits on supporting pollinators. Info: TheConservationFoundation.org/event/2025-pollinator-blitz.
Join Oneness Fest 2025, June 20–22 at Good Templar Park, Geneva, for 150+ workshops, yoga, music, and more. Natural Awakenings readers get 22% off tickets. Info: AwakeOnenessTribe.org.
Feb 28, 2025 ● By Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
Fresh salad greens in March—in Illinois? Yes! Many farms use season extension practices to grow greens year-round. Winter farmers markets may have greens, dried cherries, and onions. Find a list at ilfma.org/find-a-market.
Feb 28, 2025 ● By Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP
Winter in the Midwest offers a chance to forage for healing plants. Cottonwood buds, gathered in February and March, are used to make balm of Gilead oil, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Jan 31, 2025
The Great Seed Event, hosted by the University of Illinois Extension and the Center for Agrarian Learning, is on Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at McHenry County College. Free demos, speakers, and more!
McHenry County College's Center for Agrarian Learning hosts a Cut Flower Production workshop March 1-2, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., covering growing, marketing, and design. Cost: $345. Register by Feb. 21 at Eventbrite.com.
Support hormone balance with this nutrient-packed winter soup featuring kale, white beans, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Rich in antioxidants, it promotes healthy hormone levels.
Jan 31, 2025 ● By Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
Explore Illinois winter farmers markets for meats, cheese, honey, eggs, and grains. Try a cornbread recipe made with local grains, buttermilk, and honey for a fresh, rich, and sweet flavor.
Wild Things 2025 Conference, March 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., at Donald E. Stevens Center, Rosemont. Features 140+ talks on conservation, ecology, and advocacy. Keynotes: Marla Garrison, Joey Santore. Tickets: $60/$40.
Sponsored Content GPT Icon SEO-Friendly Webpage Description: Protecting Trees from Winter Stress Winter can be tough on trees, even though they thrive outdoors. Cold temperatures, heavy snow, ice storms, and extreme weather can lead to winter injuries that affect their health and growth. From frost cracks to branch breakage and root damage, understanding common winter tree problems can help you take proactive steps to protect your landscape. Learn how to identify signs of winter stress and discover tree care tips to keep your outdoor space healthy all season long.
