Calendar

Please send calendar items to events@chicagowildernessmag.org.

Water

Discover the importance of Earth’s most vital and fleeting resource at The Field Museum in Chicago, IL. Examine how living things adapt to extremes of wet and dry environments, and learn how human behavior alters precious aquatic ecosystems. Become inspired by conservation efforts from around the world and discover what you and your family can do to protect and conserve our planet’s water. Through hands-on activities, immersive dioramas, artifacts, and multi-media, this exhibition presents life’s essential element that unites us, surrounds us, and challenges us. Through September 20.

Animal Houses: The Door is Open!

See, touch, and explore eleven whimsical and imaginative woodland, wetland, and prairie animal houses, all built to human-scale at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. Imagine life as an animal - climb in a squirrel drey; rummage through a raccoon den; perch in a heron nest; and express your inner animal among the trees! Through November 15

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Clean-up at 89th Street and Buffalo Ave, 10 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to clean up the lot at 89th St. and Buffalo Ave in Chicago, IL. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. For more information call John at (773) 991-0613. The clean-up is sponsored by the Calumet Ecological Park Association.

Dan Ryan Woods Workday, 9 a.m.– Noon

Help remove invasive plants, collect seeds, and cleanup the preserve so native flora and fauna can thrive at Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, IL. Meet at the parking lot on the north side of 87th Street two blocks east of S. Western Ave. Contact Benjamin Cox at (773) 398-1178 or the Forest Preserve District of Cook County website for more information.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Buffalo Creek Restoration Workday, 9 a.m.

Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers in Long Grove, IL to restore the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, Lake County’s “emerald island.” New volunteers and groups of four or more please RSVP to Tom Smith, Stewardship Coordinator, or Jeff Weiss, site steward, (847) 224-0965.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 

Lake Renwick Bird Viewing, 10 – 11 a.m.

Herons, egrets and cormorants build their nests and raise their young on the islands at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery in Plainfield, IL. During this time of year, preserve visitation is restricted so as not to disturb the birds. On these Wednesdays and Saturdays through August 15, Forest Preserve staff and volunteers will provide a guided viewing of the birds of Lake Renwick. Telescopes and binoculars are available for use. Be prepared for a short hike on a limestone surfaced trail to the viewing platforms. This program is recommended for ages 7 and older. Call (815) 727-8700 for more information.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Montrose Beach Clean-up, 9 a.m. – Noon

Join members of the Sierra Club for this very important cleanup at Montrose Beach in Chicago, IL. People of all ages are welcome to participate in picking up trash and interesting found objects. Dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle and work gloves if you have them. For more information, please contact Christine Williamson at birdchris@aol.com.

Beauty and the Beach, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s geologists on an interactive walking tour in Chicago, IL to learn about the Lake Michigan’s sandy beach. Learn about local ecology, environmental issues affecting the nation’s third coast, and discover how Chicago’s landscape has changed over time. Become a citizen scientist as you take part in the conservation of our lakefront and build a connection with Lake Michigan. The fee is $7. Call (773) 947-3150 for reservations and additional information.

Thursday, July 23, 2009 

Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardening with Color, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Butterflies and hummingbirds provide an element of active beauty to any garden. Join floriculturist Tim Pollak as he takes you on a tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL to see which plants will lure these amazing winged creatures to your garden. You'll learn ornamental characteristics of these plants, such as fragrance and color, and discover which nectar sources attract various butterfly species. Dress for the weather and bring a camera, as you may glimpse a few butterflies or hummingbirds along the way! The class fee is $29 for members and $37.00 for non-members; the class will meet at the Regenstein Center.

Sunday, July 25, 2009

West Chicago Prairie Restoration Workday, 8 – 11 a.m.

Enjoy the outdoors in West Chicago, IL while helping to restore one of DuPage County's most diverse prairies by clearing invasive plants or planting seed. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. Call (630) 961-2041 for information.

Kayak Kollege, 10 a.m. – Noon

This workshop introduces participants to the fun of kayaking on Whalon Lake in Naperville, IL. The workshop is led by an American Red Cross Small Craft Safety certified instructor. The program is for participants 12 years of age. All equipment is provided, including life jackets, although you are welcome to bring your own. Be sure to wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and to bring along sunscreen and a water bottle. Registration and a payment of $20 are required. Participants who are age 12-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Call (815) 727-8700 for more information and to register.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Adventures in Nature: Birds, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Children (K and up) can enjoy a morning of hiking and discovering the birds of Flint Creek Savanna with Citizens for Conservation in Lake Barrington, IL. The cost is $3 for CFC members and $5 for non-members. No fee for adults. Students must register at least one week before class by calling (847) 382-7283.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Math and the Natural World, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Attention teachers! Join us at the Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake, IL to learn how to make connections with the natural world and incorporate fun mathematical lessons from nature into your classroom. This two-day class (8/4 and 8/5) will emphasize the importance of math and how it is all around us. Some lessons demonstrated will have cross-curricular connections. Many activities will be outside, so please dress for the weather. 13 CPDU's will be given for this class. The fee is $135. Call (815) 479-5779 for more information.

Mayslake Peabody Estate Teacher Nature Walk, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Teachers, explore the Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, IL in the company of other teachers and their families (age 6 and up). Reservations begin July 20. Call (630) 206-9581 for more information.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Volunteer Work Day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 9 – 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers will install prairie and wetland plant plugs in a habitat restoration project at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, IL. Everyone is welcome to this Sierra Club-sponsored workday. Meet at the Midewin Horticulture Building. Contact Allison Hedden at AHedden@fs.fed.us or (815) 423-2149 for more information.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Springbrook Prarie Nature Workday, 9 a.m. – Noon

Help restore Springbrook Prairie in Naperville, IL by removing invasive plants or planting seeds. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7681 for more information.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Prairie Ramble, 6 – 8 p.m.

Experience the unique habitat of Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Braidwood, IL. This amazing preserve contains sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands and savannah all within a short distance of each other. Because of this, Braidwood Dunes is home to many species found nowhere else in Will County, such as the prickly pear cactus, hognose snakes, glass lizards and pocket gophers! A naturalist will lead the tour. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Call (815) 727-8700 for more information.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Tour de North, 9 a.m. – Noon

Start your day with a morning ride at Glacial Park in Ringwood, IL. Join us for a ride along the crushed limestone Prairie Trail North which links to the Nippersink North Branch Conservation Area, where cyclists will travel through savanna and prairie. Rest stops will be set up at the start and finish with snacks and beverages. Youth under age 14 must register and be accompanied by an adult. Call (815) 479-5779 for more information.

Kishwaukee River Clean Up, 9 a.m.

Help the Boone County Conservation District clean up the Kishwaukee River! Participants must provide their own canoe and equipment. Volunteers will float down river pulling trash and objects from the river and banks. Volunteers should plan to meet at Hickory Bill’s Island Canoe Launch at 100 South Appleton Road in Belvidere, IL. Call the BCCD office at (815) 547-7935 to register.

Zanders Woods Workday, 9 a.m. – Noon

Help other volunteers start up new stewardship activities at Zanders Woods in Thornton, IL. Activities include brush and invasive plant removal and seed collection and dispersal. The workday is co-Sponsored by Friends of the Forest Preserves, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the Field Museum. For more information, contact site leader, Alice Brandon, at (312) 356-9992 or alice@fotfp.org.

Habitat Bike Tour, 10 a.m.

Join the Calumet Ecological Park Association for a fun and educational bike tour down the Burnham Greenway to Eggers Grove, Wolf Lake and beyond. Meet at the Calumet Park Fieldhouse at 9801 South Avenue G in Chicago, IL. A $10 donation includes a picnic lunch. Please register by calling John at (773) 0613 or Judy at (773) 646-4773.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Senior Strolls, 10 – 11 a.m.

Autumn breezes and colorful foliage await you in Kane County! Enjoy autumn in its fullness during our free monthly Senior Strolls. District naturalists lead these leisurely walks at forest preserve sites throughout Kane County. Refreshments and social time follow the walk. For directions to the site, or information in the event of inclement weather, call (847) 741-8350 ext. 10.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Wild Mushrooms: A Fall Foray in the Forest, 9 – 10 a.m.

Feast your eyes on the rich diversity of fungi that appear as if by magic in Illinois woodlands and meadows in the fall. Join a fun and educational mushroom hunt through the Chicago Botanic Garden’s McDonald Woods in Glencoe, IL. After the hunt head over to the Illinois Mycological Association show and sale to check out many additional varieties of mushrooms, books, and other mushroom items. Please remember to dress for the weather and the woods. The cost is $15 for members and $12 for non-members. Children must be supervised by an adult. Registration is required. Call (847)835-5440 for more details.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Raceway Woods: Restoring Cultural and Natural History, 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Raceway Woods in Dundee, IL is a unique blend of culture and nature. The site was once a well-known race track which drew car racing enthusiasts from near and far. Today, in a joint effort of the Forest Preserve District and the Dundee Township Park District, it is an area undergoing ecological restoration. June Keibler, a long-time advocate of natural areas and open space in northern Kane County and founding member of the Conservation Foundation, will lead this hike through Raceway Woods to highlight the progress and potential for ecological restoration here. Meet at the Dundee Township entrance on Huntley Road. Ages 16 and up. Pre-registration required; please call (847) 741-8350 ext. 10.

Helping Hands at Herrick Lake, 2 – 5 p.m.

Help remove litter and cut brush at Herrick Lake in Wheaton, IL. No unaccompanied children. Groups of five or more must make reservations. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements. Visit dupageforest.org for more information.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Cermak Prairie Restoration Workday, 9 a.m. – Noon

Cut brush, pull weeds, or collect seeds at Cermak Prairie in Lyons, IL. Contact Bob Bezouska 708-749-9654 for more information.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

It’s Our River Day, 9 a.m. – Noon

Join the statewide celebration of Illinois' waterways and participate in an event near you.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Nature Walk with Joe Seagren, 7:30 a.m.

Experience a nature walk downtown before you start the work day! Register for this special opportunity to join Jo Seagren, Conservancy member and amateur naturalist, as she guides a group through Millennium Park in Chicago, IL on a bird and plant appreciation walk. Registration is required. Please RSVP to Illinois Events at illinois_events@tnc.org or (312) 580-2357. Meet in front of Cloud Gate (“The Bean”).