Don't Miss the Wetland Botany with Stacy Iwanicki!

I was lucky to join Stacy Iwanicki's wetland botany program on September 4, and it’s an absolute gem that every Volo Bog volunteer and visitor should experience. This time we dove deep into the world of bidens (beggarticks/tickseeds). Do you know that Volo Bog is home to four different species: Bidens cernua (nodding beggarticks or nodding bur-marigold), Bidens connata (purple-stemmed tickseed), Bidens comosa (swamp tickseed or leafy-bracted beggarticks), and the absolutely stunning Bidens coronata (crowned beggarticks, also called tall swamp marigold)? Check the pictures of coronata—this beauty grows as tall as a shrub and is truly spectacular!

Stacy, our DNR Naturalist, is offering two final sessions before her retirement on March 15, and you really don’t want to miss out on learning from her expertise while you still can. Choose between Sunday, October 26 or Monday, October 27, both running from 9:30 am to 3 pm. These sessions will focus on plants that persist through the seasons like cattails, wool grass, and pitcher plants, plus the stunning tamaracks and winterberry hollies (which are already starting to turn red!) and all the unique bog shrubs that make our wetland so special, and Stacy will guide you through an in-depth exploration of our marsh and bog's diverse vegetation from the familiar to the extraordinary.

Both sessions run from 9:30 am to 3 pm and are perfect for adults and youth ages 11 and up, with small groups limited to just 10 people so everyone gets plenty of attention. Choose between Sunday, October 26 or Monday, October 27. The program has a wonderful structure that combines both indoor and outdoor learning.

In the indoor portion, participants work with Volo Bog’s unique herbarium that showcases marsh and bog plants, along with field guides and other resources, plus Stacy provides a plant list to guide your learning.

Then during the bog walk, you’ll search for the same plants in their natural habitat and share your discoveries with the group: it’s like a botany treasure hunt! So dress for the weather and bring your curiosity.

Stacy demonstrates jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), a natural mosquito bite remedy that grows right here at Volo Bog

To reserve your spot, email dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or call 815-344-1294 to let Volo Bog know how many people and ages of any minors.