INPS EVENTS
An Overview of The Morton Arboretum Natural Areas Conservation Training Program
The Morton Arboretum is iconic for many reasons. And Iโm not sure founder Joy Morton had any idea that his grand idea would evolve into an international center for tree research, centered in its labs and respected herbarium, almost 100 years later. In 1940, their first superintendent, Clarence Godschalk, hired teacher May Theilgaard Watts. May… Read more
Chapter Events
Botanist Biographies: Mary Agnes Chase
While researching an article for Erigenia, the peer-reviewed journal of the Illinois Native Plant Society, I ran across a notation about a “Mrs. Chase.” Since she was the only woman mentioned amid many eminent male botanists, my interest was piqued. A cursory internet search for her yielded no immediate helpful results so I dropped it… Read more
Chapter Events
Tall Goldenrod Management in Tallgrass Prairies
Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) is an aster family species native to a large portion of North America and introduced to Europe and Asia. This species has the beautiful golden-yellow flowers typical of other goldenrods, and blooms from late summer into the fall. The plants tend to stand out at the end of their flowering period… Read more
Northeast Chapter Events
Statement on the Proposed Chicago Managed Native Garden Registry
March 19, 2021 We are writing as concerned members and board of the Northeast Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society (INPS). The mission of the INPS is to promote the study, appreciation, and conservation of the native flora and natural communities of Illinois. A recently proposed ordinance to create a Managed Native Garden Registry… Read more
Northeast Chapter Events
2021 Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium, April 15 – April 17
The 2021 Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium will be held virtually from April 15 through April 17! Join us to explore this year’s theme, โPutting Theory into Practice: Ecosystem Restoration and Management.โ Nine sessions held over three days provide numerous learning opportunities on topics ranging from different management techniques to successful management partnerships. Join us! The… Read more
Southern Chapter Events
2021 Grant Awards to be Announced April 2021
2021 Research and Survey Grant Applications are now closed;ย however, the Program Explanation and Guidelines for both grants are still available for viewing in the Grants section for future reference and for submission of final reports by 2021 grantees.
Grant Events
Chicago Managed Native Garden Registry Town Hall (March 2nd) at 7PM
Chicago Managed Native Garden Registry Town HallTuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 7PMRSVP (Zoom) Join a virtual “town hall” on the proposed Managed Native Garden Registry Ordinance for the City of Chicago on Tuesday, March 2nd at 7PM. Representatives from the offices of co-sponsoring aldermen and the Department of Planning and Development will be present to… Read more
Northeast Chapter Events

Illinois Native Plant Society Grant Program Applications Are Now Open
Students, citizen scientists, conservation groups and institutions are alerted to consider applying for an INPS Research Grant for up to $2500 to fund one-year projects. Also, INPS is also excited to continue its new second grant for 2021: the Survey Grant. This grant is for up to $5000.
Grant Events
The Scutellaria (Skullcaps) of Northeast Illinois
Scutellaria โ or skullcap โ species can be found in a variety of habitats in northeastern Illinois. These perennials belong to the mint family (note their opposite leaves); more than 470 species of skullcaps can be found worldwide, mainly in temperate regions. The genus name comes from the Latin scutella, meaning โsquare-shaped salver or tray;… Read more
Northeast Chapter Events
Plants with Stomachs
Somewhere in a lake near you, in a shallow bay, grows a floating plant with pouchlike sacs on its leaflets. The sacs each have a โspring- loadedโ trap door that can open and shut in a fraction of a second. The โtriggersโ are hairs, known as “trichomes” in plants, around the mouth of the sac.… Read more

