Ecological Patriotism — An introductory presentation about native plants and how they benefit the diversity of life that evolved to depend on them
Ecologically Responsible Trees and Shrubs — Woody plants often form the basis of our landscapes, but aside from “native,” what criteria are we using to evaluate the ecological contributions of our landscape choices? This program goes “beyond native” by diving deeper into genetic diversity and microhabitats that factor into ecologically responsible woody plant selection.
Flavors of Nature: Native Food Plants — An introduction to the Midwestern native plants historically and contemporarily used for food. We explore their stories, identification, health-related concerns, and ethical foraging techniques.
Moths of the Great Lakes Region — Moth species outnumber butterflies by approximately ten to one, but most of these nocturnal flying insects go unnoticed. We shed light on the Lepidoptera’s unsung heroes by exploring the fascinating world of moth adaptations and ecosystem services.
Spring Woodland Wildflowers of the Lower Lake Michigan Region: History, Folklore and Physiology — Few sights are more of a delight to behold than the Midwestern forest floor in early Spring. Even before the snow begins to melt, the race is on for our native woodland flowers. Within a period of only a few weeks or less, they must employ specialized adaptations to maximize sunlight and reproduction before the tree canopy closes. Come along with us as we take you on a seasonal journey through the flora of the Spring forest. Along the way, we’ll take a closer look and explore their physiology, life strategies and folklore.
Trees of Northern Indiana — Originally developed for the Indiana Master Naturalist Program, this two-hour-plus presentation provides an in-depth look at the taxonomy and identification of the trees native to northern Indiana.
Where the Buffalo Roamed, the Plants and Ecology of Indiana’s Prairies — Although Indiana’s prairies historically comprised a relatively small portion of the Hoosier landscape, their beauty, diversity, and character have captivated us for centuries. This program explores the flora, fauna, history, and ecological significance of our majestic tallgrass prairies.
Where Have All the Carsons gone? — A journey through inspiring stories of conservationists past and present whose struggles and incremental triumphs remind us that the calvary starts with us.
Recent Books
We recently teamed up with other area entities to create two new native-plant-related books.
- Living in the Dunes: A Homeowner’s landscaping guide for bird conseration in Indiana’s Coastal Communities — The third in a series of native landscaping guides produced by Save the Dunes and featuring contributions from Chicago Bird Alliance, Dunes Calumet Audubon Society, Midwest Biological Survey, Indiana Dunes National Park, and other regional experts. You can pick up a printed copy for free as the Save the Dunes office or download the PDF here.
- Native Plants for Michiana: Planting with Nature and Beauty in Mind. — Released in 2026, this hyper-local native gardening book is collaborabion with Wild Ones South Bend and other local experts. You can purchase a copy through us or through the South Bend Wild Ones chapter.
Upcoming Talks and Events
- June 22
- Harris Township Park at Elm Road, Granger, IN. — Introduction to the prairie at Elm Road (walking tour beginning at 6:45 p.m.)
- July 13
- New Carlisle Olive Township Library, New Carlisle, IN. —Summer native plant program (10:30–11:30 a.m.)
- August 5
- Mishawaka Public Library, Elm Road Branch and Harris Township Park at Elm Road, Granger, IN. — Harris Prairie Historical Presentation and Elm Road Park Tour (library presentation followed by walking tour. 6:00–7:30 p.m.)
Recent Appearances and Events
2026
- June
- New Carlisle Olive Township Library, New Carlisle, IN — Native Plants for Michiana: Planting with Nature and Beauty in Mind. An introduction and overview of this newly-released book.
- May
- Izaak Walton League, South Bend, IN— ”Botanical Time Bombs: A History of Izaak Walton’s Invasive Plants“
- Wild Ones South Bend — Spring plant sale (informational table)
- April
- Friends of the Indiana Dunes, Porter, IN — Butterflies, Moths, and Plants of the Indiana Dunes (in collaboration with Midwest Biological Survey)
- River Valley Garden Club: Harbert, MI — National Garden Clubs, Inc. Gardening School Course #3
- March
- February
- January
- Wild Ones South Bend — Tales of Local Ecology: Strategies and Methods for Creating ahd Restoring Native Habitats in St. Joseph County
- Goshen College Michiana Regional Seed Swap, Goshen, IN — Trees and Shrubs Through at Ecological Lens
2025
- October
- River Valley Garden Club — Presentation on ecologically responsible trees and shrubs
- September
- Indiana Dunes Outdoor Festival — Ecology hike. Sebert Woods County Park, La Porte, IN.
- May
- Indiana Master Naturalists — Indiana Dunes spring session: ecology and botany
- Porter County Visitor’s Center/Friends of the Indiana Dunes — Life of the Indiana Dunes National Park (in partnership with Midwest Biological Survey)
- March
- LaPorte County Master Gardeners’ Show — Keynote presentation on ecological considerations for trees and shrubs
- Howard County Master Gardeners’ Show —Garden Ecology and Butterflies and Moths
- February
