European Larch Is November Tree of the Month

  A European Larch (Larix decidua) is deeply connected to a family and a neighborhood in Freeport, IL.  This special tree is being recognized as Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program November Tree of the Month, because of its history and size.  The height is 105 feet.  It has an

Big Silver Maple Brings Big Family Together

  Following is the Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program “Tree of the Month,” for October 2024, Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program is pleased to recognize the 2024 October Tree of the Month.  It is a Silver Maple that has been bringing the Kinsella family together for two decades. 

NLI Acquires 327-Acre Natural Area

  Natural Land Institute (NLI) is excited to announce that it closed Monday, September 16, 2024, on the purchase of a 327-acre natural area.  It features wetlands, ponds, a lake, Raccoon Creek, and grassland bird habitat.  This pristine property, purchased for $816,925 plus closing costs, is home to threatened and

Spangler’s Ribbon Cutting and Celebration September 7

  Spangler’s Landscaping and Garden Center welcomed the public to celebrate their Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting  ceremony, on the morning of Saturday, September 7, 2024.  This longstanding, full-service, family business began in 1971, at 12450 Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL, owned and operated by Linda and Lanny Spangler.  They are

NLI’s Legacy Tree:  Whiteside Fairgrounds White Oak

  Natural Land Institute (NLI) is pleased to announce the July Tree of the Month is located at Whiteside County Fairgrounds, which contains a natural landmark:  an ancient White Oak (Quercus alba) that has graced the land for more than three centuries.  The tree is 90 feet tall; it has

June 2024 Featured Garden of the Month

Like the colors of a rainbow, the gardens’ inhabitants burst forth in color…. Summer has arrived, and one cannot help but notice the beauty that surrounds us in Morrison, IL. Gardens are starting to burst into vibrant colors. One such example causes passerby to do a double-take when viewing the

Fulton Plant Sale May 11

Spring has sprung! Amazingly, nearly overnight, our surroundings have magically turned to plush greens and vivid colors of spring blooms. That means it is time to check your landscaping and gardens, for what needs to be upgraded. The annual Fulton Plant Sale is coming soon. Mark your calendar for Saturday,

May 18 Morrison Garden Club Plant Sale

Sharon Moore submitted this press release and photo. Morrison Garden Club will host its annual Plant Sale this year on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in the City of Morrison Community Room, located at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, in Morrison, IL. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and the

Screening of Emmy Winning Documentary March 12

What unites us is more important than what divides us. Emmy-winning filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films turn their lens on a network of people and organizations, in Iowa and Illinois, who are working toward improved water quality in the Upper Mississippi watershed. The Rundles’ new documentary

Forest Improvement Workshop

This event will be an indoors workshop in a classroom setting, held at the City of Morrison Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Sponsored by the Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District, registration begins at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The free session runs from

Fulton Annual Spring Plant Sale May 13

The recent warm weather has certainly caused our gardens to spring into action. As you anticipate what changes and improvements you wish to make, consider coming to the annual Fulton Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13, 2023. It will be at Cattail Park, just north of Fulton, IL. Follow 8th

Spend Saturday with a Master Gardener

Join Whiteside County Master Gardeners and discover the joy of plants. The “Saturday with a Master Gardener” series will start with the February 11, 2023, program, “I Drank What?” Pick your poison, and get to know the more infamous plants and their toxins. Plants are a beautiful addition to your

Rotary Pollinator Garden Thrives

Over several months in 2022, Rotary Club of Morrison, IL, prepared a patch unused ground and built a Pollinator Garden. Operation Pollination and the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund provided grant funding for the seeds. Their goal is to benefit pollinators and other wildlife. Although the ground had been prepared,

Residential Tree Planting Incentive by Garden Club

Morrison Garden Club President Sharon Moore submitted this press release. Many of us in Morrison, IL, have lost trees due to storms and disease. Morrison Garden Club would like to help encourage residents to replace some of those trees. The club is sponsoring a “tree planting reimbursement program” this fall.

August Garden of the Month, Beauty From Every Angle

Morrison Garden Club member Sharon Moore submitted the press release and photo. Just over a year ago, in 2021, Morrison Garden Club was able to provide funds for the plantings of the Island Garden, at the front entrance of Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL. We could