DuPage Monarch Project: Communities Protecting Pollinators

10/19/2026

There is a quiet wisdom in the fall prairie. As pollinators make their final rounds among the late asters and goldenrod, the landscape gracefully softens, preparing for winter's rest. This reminds us that productivity has seasons, and resting is just as vital as blooming.

10/18/2026

Nachusa Grasslands is breathtaking during the fall shift. Seeing a restored ecosystem thriving like this inspires the work we do locally—reminding us of the incredible potential we have to restore native habitats and public lands right here in DuPage.

10/17/2026

Sharing this incredible photo from Claire Most of a gorgeous Black Swallowtail caterpillar. If you've ever wondered to yourself, where do these late-season caterpillars go when it gets cold? Keep on reading!

Unlike Monarchs that migrate south, Black Swallowtails overwinter right here with us! After fueling up on host plants, this caterpillar will form a chrysalis (pupa) tucked safely away on a plant stem, branch, or fence.

Entering a dormant state called diapause, it will safely weather the freezing temperatures until spring warmth signals it's time to emerge as a gorgeous butterfly.

Leaving garden stems and fallen branches standing through winter gives these chrysalises a safe place to rest!

Photo: Claire Most

10/14/2026

Beautiful landscapes don't stop when the bloom season ends!

Leaving dried stems and seed heads standing through autumn and winter creates a festive seasonal aesthetic. More importantly, these stems are a lifeline for our community's native pollinators. Native bees nest inside hollow stems, while winter birds rely on the seed heads for food.

Join us in leaving the stems! Let our gardens and green spaces rest so nature can thrive come spring.

10/11/2026

Honoring the living legacy of Larry Sheaffer, recipient of the Jane Foulser Habitat Award for his decades of dedication to restoring local prairies!

Larry Sheaffer was a passionate prairie advocate who channeled his lifelong love of nature into restoring native landscapes across northeastern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Though he humbly described himself as an "amateur naturalist," Larry was a true steward of the land—preserving forgotten remnants and planting vibrant new natural areas along the Illinois Prairie Path and in Warrenville’s local parks.

As an ecologist, Larry understood that humans cannot simply recreate a historic, true prairie. Instead, he thoughtfully viewed his plantings as "gardens without rows or paths"—living educational opportunities designed to reconnect the public with local biodiversity.

Larry joined the Illinois Prairie Path in the 1970s and soon became a board member, taking the lead on managing key native habitats. Over time, his stewardship expanded to oversee seven distinct areas along the trail system:

The Maywood Trailhead

Hoffman Park remnant (Glen Ellyn)

President Street remnant (Wheaton)

Founder’s Park (Wheaton)

Volunteer Park (Wheaton)

Prince Crossing (West Chicago)

Army Trail Road area

It was Larry’s vision to plant a prairie garden at Mile Marker Zero—the central hub of the Illinois Prairie Path. He supervised every phase of development at Volunteer Park, from site prep and plant selection to years of dedicated weeding, watering, and seeding. Thanks to his tireless care, this once-bare spot transformed into a thriving haven featuring over 100 native species of flowers and grasses.

A beloved fifth-grade teacher at Bower Elementary School, Larry’s passion for education extended far beyond the classroom. Whenever he was out working along the path, he routinely paused to answer questions and spark curiosity among passersby.

Larry Sheaffer’s lifelong dedication leaves behind a living legacy—flourishing native habitats where butterflies, fireflies, and essential pollinators continue to thrive today.

Photo: Volunteer Park by Ken McClurg

10/10/2026

Nothing beats the excitement of seeing the first monarchs make it to Mexico!

Monarchs have reached Mexico on their migration south!

Our friends at Programa Correo Real- Mariposa Monarca passed along reports of monarchs roosting in Coahuila on Oct. 5 and 7. As the crow flies, the southernmost dot on this map is about 400 miles from the northern border of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

Monarchs usually begin reaching the overwintering sites as October turns to November. It won't be long before we begin receiving reports of the first monarchs from the oyamel fir forests.

When you see a monarch this fall, whether it's a roost or a single monarch, don't forget to submit your sighting to Journey North!

10/10/2026

Every May, monarch butterflies arrive in Northeastern Illinois before embarking on their journey south in September. This year, the Village of Glen Ellyn went above and beyond to celebrate their stay with an incredible series of events called The Summer of the Monarch—earning them the Pat Miller Community Engagement Award!

From a town-wide butterfly hunt across seven local pollinator gardens and self-guided tours to a monarch bike ride, "Monarchs and Margaritas," and free seed distributions at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, the entire community came together for native wildlife. Plus, a vibrant new mural by artist Rose Fenske (located in the alley by The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn!) now ensures the monarch’s presence is felt year-round.

This award-winning initiative was a true team effort between the Village of Glen Ellyn, the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance, the Glen Ellyn Park District, Go Green Glen Ellyn, and The Conservation Foundation. Building on their Mayors’ Monarch Pledge work—which previously earned Glen Ellyn top honors as a Monarch Champion—this collaboration shows what happens when local leadership and community passion join forces for conservation.

Congratulations to everyone involved in inspiring local stewardship and creating a habitat where native pollinators can truly thrive!

📸 Monarch Mural painted by Rose Fenske, located by The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn (Courtesy of the Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn)

10/09/2026

We're excited to announce that the Lincoln Junior High Students are our Pollinator Protectors of the Year!

State symbols bring us together around our shared history, culture, and natural environment. With the black and gold bumble bee named the official Illinois state symbol, there’s no better time to celebrate the power of protecting native wildlife.

8th-grade science teachers Barb Bell and Emily Barlog at Lincoln Jr. High in Naperville designed a native bee project for their students. After researching 10 native species, students narrowed the field to three top candidates. With help from the Regional Board of Education, their research was shared with schools across the state, and then students statewide voted for their favorite!

The winner? The black and gold bumble bee. A fuzzy, big-hearted pollinator powerhouse that perfectly represents Illinois' historic prairies and agricultural roots.

Big thanks to the students at Lincoln Junior High for putting native pollinators on the map for policymakers and the public. Protecting Illinois wildlife starts with education, and these students truly led the way!

10/07/2026

A single metallic green sweat bee landing on an aster might look like an isolated moment, but it’s actually a community effort in action.

That single flower is part of a patch planted by a neighbor, nourished by local soil, and preserved through collective care. The bee gets the late-season nectar it needs to survive, and in return, cross-pollinates the asters to ensure next year’s bloom. Neither the flower nor the bee can thrive on their own, and neither can our neighborhoods.

When we plant native species, protect overwintering habitats, and care for shared green spaces, we create the vital networks that sustain local life—proving that every small, individual act helps build a stronger, interconnected whole.

10/05/2026

When it comes to building a healthier, greener, and more resilient DuPage County, true change never happens in isolation as it takes all of us working side-by-side.

In our latest YouTube video, "Rooted Together," we’re highlighting individuals & organizations where the power of local connection and why focusing on community is the real secret to getting things done. From sharing local resources to tackling big environmental goals right in our own backyards, big impacts start with small, collective steps.

Watch the full video now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKK-QZmjDy0

Thanks to everyone involved!

Saving Monarchs
Wild Ones - Greater DuPage Chapter (IL)
DuPage Organic Garden Club
Sustain DuPage

Together, we make a difference! Join the DuPage Monarch Project (DM...