DuPage Monarch Project: Communities Protecting Pollinators

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DuPage Monarch Project: Communities Protecting Pollinators

The DuPage Monarch Project: Communities Protecting Pollinators advocates for pollinator conservation through education and community engagement.

09/03/2026

“What I stand for is what I stand on.” — Wendell Berry

Land restoration is rarely quick work. It is quiet, patient, and deeply intentional, much like the philosophy Wendell Berry has shared for decades.

Walking through Cricket Creek, you can see what it means to heal a landscape. Removing invasive species, reintroducing native seeds, and giving the soil room to breathe again isn't just ecological management; it's an act of care for the place we call home. Every native grass and late-season bloom returning to these fields is proof that when we commit to staying, listening, and tending to the earth, the land responds.

09/01/2026

As the evening sun fades, a male dark-veined longhorn bee settles into a sunflower for the night. Nestled snugly he’ll sleep tucked among the petals until morning warmth arrives.

Location: Carol Stream, IL

08/31/2026

Earlier this summer, we toured three incredible spots managed by the Glen Ellyn Park District: Maryknoll Park, Ackerman Park, and Churchill Park. All three locations hit the trifecta for People, Plants, and Pollinators! As one of our member organizations, we were thrilled to see how thoughtfully they manage this land, with each site alive with native species and active wildlife.

A major highlight was the Swamp Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) at Churchill Park and seeing such a vibrant, pollinator-friendly wetland in action. The walking path surrounding the wetland makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to explore—we spotted tons of active pollinators alongside birds, frogs, and turtles!

A massive thank you to Chris Gutmann, Laurie Bellmar, Ryan Van D**e and the hardworking grounds crew, and the entire Glen Ellyn Park District team. Thank you for keeping our community parks safe and beautifully maintained while keeping our local pollinators well fed!

08/26/2026

It’s tough to love an insect that can wipe out a prized squash crop overnight, but the squash vine borer moth (Melittia cucurbitae) deserves a second look. While its larvae are a frustrating nightmare for gardeners, the adult moth is actually a hardworking pollinator visiting our summer blooms. Nature rarely fits neatly into "good" or "bad" which means sometimes the creatures that test our patience are the same ones helping our garden ecosystems thrive.

08/25/2026

It was a pleasure joining Go Green Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission at this past weekend’s Festival of the Arts. We had great conversations with local community members passionate about sustainability, native plants, and creating vibrant pollinator gardens.

08/23/2026

Looking forward to another day at the Festival of Arts with Downtown Glen Ellyn tomorrow (8/23) from 10 AM to 3 PM! You'll find us near the children's play area with the perfect view of the lake and signing along to the live music. Stop by to chat about the upcoming Biking & Butterflies event in September!

08/22/2026

Right in the heart of Glen Ellyn, the Russell R. Kirt Prairie at the College of DuPage - COD Natural Areas is a reminder of what Northern Illinois looked like for centuries. From late-summer grasses to the vibrant hum of native bees and butterflies, this restored ecosystem is a living sanctuary for local wildlife and a piece of our natural heritage.

08/21/2026

While it’s completely natural to feel cautious around bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata), taking a moment to understand them changes everything. Fear often stems from what we don't fully grasp, but temporary discomfort shouldn't warrant ending the life of an essential native insect.

They work tirelessly all summer by eating soft-bodied garden pests like caterpillars and flies, while quietly pollinating the plants they visit for nectar. Given a little space, these quiet ones contribute far more to our gardens than they take away.

Photo: Jeremy Farrar
Location: Addison, IL

Address

Naperville, IL
60540, 60563-60565, AND PO BOX ONLY CODES 60566-60567

Telephone

630.917.3982

Website

https://dupagemonarchs.com/

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