Calendar

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Saturday, May 3, 2008

Great Garlic Mustard Pull, 10 a.m – noon

Join the Downers Grove Park District to help rid Lyman Woods of the invasive garlic mustard plant. Prizes will be awarded for the child and adult who pull the most garlic mustard. Meet at Lyman Woods Interpretive Center, 901 31st Street, in Downers Grove, IL. Spaces are limited, so please carpool and register in advance. Registration required by April 25. Contact (630) 963-1304 or psemple@dgparks.org.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Tyler Creek Woodland Wildflowers, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

The forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers of every size, shape, and color. On this guided walk at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin, IL, we’ll learn about the diversity, folklore, and ecology of our native wildflowers. For ages 10 and above. Call (847) 741-8350 x10 to register. Visit the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for more information.

Friday, May 7, 2008

Marsh Melodies, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Wetlands are melodious places at dusk. Come experience the symphony of frogs, toads, birds, and other wild musicians at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL. Forest Preserve District of Kane County naturalists will lead a listening adventure during nature’s nocturnal symphony. We’ll learn how and why the choristers perform in springtime, and we’ll even join them for a refrain or two at the conclusion of the hike! Call (847) 741-8350 x10, to register.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Chicago River Day, 9 a.m – 3 p.m.

Join 4,000 volunteers to work along the banks of the Chicago River for the 16th annual Chicago River Day. Friends of the Chicago River welcomes individuals, families, schools, corporate teams, and community groups to take part. Activities include litter pick-up, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, planting native seeds, water-quality testing, river-focused art projects, and more. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and are invited to the Chicago River Day Festival for a free barbeque lunch and an environmental fair. Festival is at River Park (5100 N. Francisco in Chicago, IL) and is open to the public. To sign up, click here. Then pick your favorite location and call the site captain.

Somme Prairie Grove Workday, 9 a.m. – noon

The North Branch Restoration Project is working to restore and manage the few remaining savannas, woodlands, forests and prairies along the North Branch of the Chicago River in the Cook County Forest Preserves. These areas, once part of a vast wilderness, are now under tremendous pressure from urban development and non-native species. We will be working to restore Somme Prairie Grove (park at Somme Woods) in Northbrook, IL. This helps natural wild communities to flourish as a permanent part of the metropolitan area. Always dress for the weather. Visit North Branch Restoration Project for more information.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Mother's Day Flowers, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Give mom a forest full of flowers this Mother's Day! Fun, facts and folklore will be shared as we hike through Coral Woods in Marengo, IL, enjoying the beauty of our favorite spring wildflowers. All ages welcome. This program includes a special treat just for Mom. Registration required.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Heron Rookery Watch, 8 a.m. – noon

Drop by our Almond Road Heron Rookery Saturday mornings April through June to view this wonderful assemblage of herons, cormorants, and waterfowl taking advantage of the restored Almond Marsh in Grayslake, IL. Viewing scope provided. All ages invited. Free. No registration required.

Spring Birdwalks for New Birders, 9 – 11 a.m.

Join us for a birdwalk designed so new birders will see and enjoy as many birds as possible on their first outing. This walk, held at North Park Village Nature Center in Chicago, IL, starts with tips on identifying birds and how to select and focus binoculars. Then, experienced guides will help spot birds during a leisurely trail walk. The nature center is at 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL. Light refreshments served. Binoculars and field guides available. All ages. Free, but registration required. Call (312) 744-5472, or e-mail npvnc@chicagoparkdistrict.com. For more details, visit the Chicago Audubon Society.

Churchill Woods Nature Workday, 9 a.m. – noon

Help restore Churchill Woods in Glen Ellyn, IL by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

51st Annual Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon, 8 a.m.

Paddle or watch, but definitely don’t miss the largest canoe race in Illinois. This 19.5-mile race begins at the Oak Spring Canoe Launch in Libertyville, IL, and ends at Dam #2 in Mount Prospect. Compete in one of 24 classes or just paddle for fun. Not a paddler? View the racers at any spot where a Forest Preserve crosses the river—the dam at Ryerson Woods is especially popular. All ages and levels of paddling experience invited. For more information and registration, call the race hotline at 847-604-2445 or visit the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Native-Plant Nursery Workday, 8 – 11 a.m.

Help the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Habitat Improvement Program by lending a hand at the nursery at Blackwell Forest Preserve’s Grounds & Resources Complex near Warrenville, IL. Weed and water plant beds, and collect and clean seeds. Also being held on June 10, 14, 19, 28. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Groups of five or more must make reservations two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7681 for waiver requirements.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Miami Woods Prairie Workday, 9 a.m. – noon

The North Branch Restoration Project is working to restore and manage the few remaining savannas, woodlands, forests and prairies along the North Branch of the Chicago River in the Cook County Forest Preserves. These areas, once part of a vast wilderness, are now under tremendous pressure from urban development and non-native species. We will be working to restore Miami Woods in Morton Grove, IL. This helps natural wild communities to flourish as a permanent part of the metropolitan area. Always dress for the weather. Visit North Branch Restoration Project for more information.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Burnham Nature Sanctuary Workday, 9 a.m. – noon

Join the Burnham stewardship group in a variety of activities including: trail maintenance, invasive plant species removal, brush cutting, seeding, or planting. Meet in the parking lot located on 47th Street, just west of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, IL. For more information, call (773) 275-2228.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Gompers Wetland Workday

Join the North Mayfair Improvement Association in a variety of activities including: tree mulching, trail maintenance, invasive plant species removal, seeding, or planting. Meet in the parking lot on Keeler Avenue, just south of Foster Avenue on the west side of the park. For more information, call (773) 736-1051.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Mammoth Hike, 9 – 11 a.m.

Hike to the site where a woolly mammoth was unearthed decades ago. Hear the story of its discovery, and learn about the prehistoric animal. At Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville, IL. Ages 8 and up. Reservations begin June 7. Call (630) 942-6200. Visit the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.