Valerie Blaine of Dark Sky International will discuss the importance of darkness for plants, wildlife and humans at a free event hosted by the Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter, according to a community announcement.

Darkness at night is as important to plants and wildlife as sunshine in the day. Plants need periods of darkness for healthy flowering, pollination, fruit set and dormancy. The wildlife associated with native plants need darkness, too. In this presentation, Blaine will share what goes on in the dark, why native landscaping needs darkness at night and how light pollution affects flora, fauna and humans. She will also discuss easy and cost-effective solutions to this growing problem.