The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District spring sales have begun. You can buy trees, plants, and fish. We also have many other items on sale, which are available for purchase year round. We have a wide range of selections such as Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, White
A Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) located at Dahlquist Park, 3303 Oak Grove Avenue, in Rockford, IL, is the new Illinois State Champion. It is recognized as the January Tree of the Month, through Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program. This Paper Birch is 60 feet high, has an average
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program is pleased to announce the 2025 December Tree of the Month is a majestic Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve, 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016. It stands 110 feet tall, has a 94-ft. average crown spread, and measures a
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program is pleased to announce the October Tree of the Month. It is a native Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), located at Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016. It is located near the entrance of the preserve, but hard to get
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program announces the 2025 September Tree of the Month is an Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera), found along the edge of a farm field in Ogle County. The Osage Orange is notable for its funny looking, large, bright yellow/green fruit, not edible by humans. This
It looks like the Natural Land Institute’s (NLI) Legacy Tree Program has found another Illinois State Champion tree: a rare American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) in Freeport, IL,” said Alan Branhagen, Executive Director. “Actually, the exciting news is, there are two growing side by side! Because of the rarity of
This article was submitted by Sharon Moore. Quiet and serene, the only sounds filling the air were the gentle songs of birds. This hidden hideaway, belonging to Pat and Bill Anderson, was truly a delight to discover. Nestled away, their beautiful yard was chosen as July’s Featured Garden, a
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program announced the 2025 June Tree of the month is the iconic American Elm, Ulmus americana, located in front of The Marlowe Center for Philanthropy, home of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), 946 N. Second Street, in Rockford, IL. This historical and
Article submitted by Morrison Garden Club member Sharon Moore. Nestled at 404 W. Park Street, Morrison, IL, Jean Decker’s garden is a vibrant burst of life and color, a true testament to nearly 50 years of love and care. What started as a few perennials has grown into a
NLI’s Legacy Tree Program announces the May Tree of the Month is an Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), that grows in the backyard of a private Rockford, IL, residence, the home of John and Kaylene Groh. This featured Redbud is 44 feet tall, with an average crown spread of 30
This feature was written by Ranae Rickels. The Editor took the photographs. In partial sun on the corner of highways 78 and 30 are three large, white pots, contrasting the red brick wall. Each pot has a new addition–a trellis to support beautiful climbing vines. The two, outside planters
Get ready gardeners; it’s that time of year again for planting! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, 2025, when Morrison Garden Club will hold their Annual Plant Sale. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, at Odell Public Library, in the Community Room, 307 S.
The annual Friends of the Windmill plant sale will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Most plants are priced at $2 and up. Come early for the best selection! This sale operates solely on donated specimens from area gardens. Do you have plants you
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program announces the April 2025 Tree of the Month is a Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), a State Champion at the Stephenson County Historical Society Museum and Arboretum, (in Freeport, IL, 1440 S. Carroll Avenue.) It was nominated by Mark Luthin, who grew up in
Editor’s note: The photo was taken by Jill Kennay. Natural Land Institute (NLI) presented the George and Barbara Fell Award to Ed Collins, below, at their Annual Dinner on March 20, 2025, held at The Radisson Conference Center in Rockford, IL. The award is named after the founder of