Tuesday – September 2, 2025 • 7:00 – 8:00 pm 

Learn about the fascinating plants that derive some or all of their nutritional needs from other living plants: native parasitic and hemiparastic plants. Join Wild Ones Lake-To-Prairie in-person (only) at Fremont Public Library for this lecture by Luke Dahlberg.

Hemiparasitic plants, like Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) and Wood Betony (Pedicularis canadensis) can photosynthesize but also obtain water and nutrients from their hosts. Native parasitic plants include species such as Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) and Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) and have evolved to obtain nutrients from other plants, either partially or entirely. These “sucking species” are valuable contributors to ecosystem health and biodiversity. They influence nutrient cycling, community structure, and can aid in controlling invasive species. 

Our presenter Luke Dahlberg, seed technician for Citizens for Conservation, will discuss his fascinating work with native parasitic and hemiparasitic plants. He will talk about their propagation, growth and development, and how he has used them to control aggressive native species. 
 
 About Our Speaker
Luke Dahlberg has a B.S in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has over 15 years experience of starting and growing native plants from seeds. He is currently the Native Seed Program Manager at Citizens for Conservation. Luke has collaborated with Lake County Forest Preserve District for native plant propagation, helps lead volunteer workdays, and continues to learn about the best ways to grow rare native plants while sharing those experiences with others along the way.
 
Tuesday – September 2, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 pm 
This is an in-person presentation
Free but registration is required:
https://fremontlibrary.org/event/13967341