Calendar

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Wild Wednesday Walks, 8 a.m.

Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk and enjoy some heart-healthy exercise as you take in the wonders of the woods. Route lengths will vary from week to week. Hike begins at 8 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, IL. Reservations begin September 3. Call (630) 850-8110 for more information.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Fullers Bird Fridays, 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Take these weekly naturalist-led hikes to see how the diversity of birds inhabiting a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. At Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, IL. Adults only. Reservations begin September 5. Call (630) 850-8110.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Migratory Bird Hike, 8 – 10 a.m.

The nesting season is over, but the birds can still be seen at Lake Renwick in Plainfield, IL. Preserves like Lake Renwick supply critical stopover habitat as birds migrate through, and also provide birds that stay in the area with winter homes. Each week could bring exciting, new, and sometimes rare sightings, such as eagles or pelicans. Binoculars, field guides, and good walking shoes are recommended. Call (815) 727-8700 or email comments@fpdwc.org for more information.

Aster Walk, 9:30 a.m.
This is a 2.5-hour tour of the Bluff Spring Fen led by an experienced fen volunteer. Asters will be in full bloom, and many other species will have their seed heads out. The trail is not paved, so wear old shoes or boots and long pants. At Bluff Spring Fen Nature Preserve in Elgin, IL. Program is free, but registration is required. Contact Mel Manner at bluffspringfen@sbcglobal.net or call at (847) 464-4426.

Deer Grove Workday, 9 a.m. – noon
Join Deer Grove Preserve to do a variety of restoration work that varies by season. Much of the work consists of cutting invasive shrubs, burning brush piles. They also collect and distribute native seed, pick garlic mustard, and monitor their restoration sites. Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, IL. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves. Contact Pete Jackson at (847) 577-4438 for information.

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. Volunteers remove brush, pull invasive weeds, and plant seed so these natural wild communities can flourish as a permanent part of the metropolitan area. Always dress for the weather and wear sun protection. Bring some water. All ages and abilities welcome. At Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, IL. For directions, visit the North Branch Restoration Project Web site.

Summer Star Hike, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Learn the stories behind several easy-to-see summer constellations and how to find them in the night sky at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL. Ages 10 and up; under 18 with an adult. Reservations begin September 6. Call (630) 850-8110 for more information.

Wildflower Walk, 1 – 3 p.m.

Go for a leisurely afternoon walk in a forest preserve setting at Grant Woods in Lake Villa, IL. Along the way, you'll learn to identify some of the lovely wildflowers found in Lake County. Listen to interesting anecdotes as we explore, learning how certain plants were named, or how they were used by Native Americans and pioneers as natural medicines, decoration, or food. Ages 10 and up, adult supervisor required. Cost is $5 (Lake County Residents), $7 (Non-Residents). Register online, by telephone at (847) 968-3321 or by mail or fax using this form. Registration deadline September 19.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sundown Meadow Workday, 1 – 4 p.m.
Work will include cutting brush, pulling weeds, or collecting seeds, depending on season and weather at Sundown Meadow in Hodkins, IL. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves. Sundown Meadow is located at LaGrange Rd. south of 67th St. Contact Chris Haddad chaddad3@hotmail.com for more information.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Twilight Voyage, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Paddle in the lagoon, listen to the sounds of nature, smell the fresh air. Bring the whole family to enjoy an evening of canoeing and exploring nature in Wheaton, IL. Campfire and S'mores follow our outing. To participate in this program, you must sign the waiver on the registration form. Families with participants ages 5 and over can register at wheatonparkdistrict.com or at the Wheaton Park District Office. Cost is $25/group/resident; $40/group/nonresident. Participants must register by canoe groups. Groups must be two or three people (one to two adults with up to two children.). ContactBecky Fliehler at (630) 871-2810 x4992 or bfliehler@wheatonparks.org for more information.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

National Public Lands Day Event, 9 a.m – noon
Kickapoo Woods will be celebrating National Public Lands Day. Activities include removing invasive brush and seed collection. Tools will be provided, but please bring your own gloves. The event will occur at Kickapoo Woods in Riverdale, IL at 144th Street and Halsted.Visit www.fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves. CallEileen Klees at (773) 238-4221 for more information.

Friends of Chicago Portage Workday, 9 a.m. – noon
Help Friends of the Chicago Portage weed the woods at Chicago's National Historic Site at Portage Woods Forest Preserve in Lyon, IL. Meet in the parking lot in front of the statue. For more info go to chicagoportage.org or call (773) 590-0710.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Sunset Kayak Paddle, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy an evening paddle in Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth, IL. Beginner level experience required. Ages 18 and up. $29 (Lake County Residents), $41 (Non-Residents). Regular registration deadline is September 25. Register online, by phone at (847) 968-3321, or by mail or fax using this form.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Beaubien Woods Workday, 9 a.m. – noon
Everyone's invited to help with stewardship work at the beautiful Beaubien Woods (South End) in Chicago, IL. Cut brush, collect seeds, remove invasive weeds, take a nature walk, and learn about local environments. Take Bishop Ford (I-94) to "Beaubien Woods" exit 69. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves. Contact cpage@fieldmuseum.org for more information.

Linne Prairie Workday, 9 a.m. – noon
Help remove brush from Linne Prairie in Morton Grove, IL. Meet by the Wayside Woods Forest Preserve parking lot. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves. Contact John Thill at (847) 966-0231 for more information.

Poplar Creek/Shoe Factory Road Woods Restoration Workday, 9 a.m. – noon
Come out for some brush cutting, planting, or seed collecting at the Poplar Creek/Shoe Factory Road Woods in Hoffman Estates, IL. All tools and training will be provided. Please dress for variable temperatures and considerable walking. Visit poplarcreekprairiestewards.org/workdays.htm for more information.

Illinois Beach State Park (Zion) Bird Walk, 8 a.m.

Join the Lake Cook Audubon as they look for migrating birds in Zion, IL. The group will go to the Hawk Watch site to see migrating raptors. Take I-94 to Rt. 173 exit and go east 8 miles to Sheridan Rd. Turn north to 17th Street, turn right (east), take the park road into the park, turn right at the sign for the Sailing Beach, and meet in the parking lot. Call Donnie Dann at (847) 266-2222 for more information.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Ryerson Conservation Area Fall Color Hikes, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Join a naturalist for a walk through the autumn colors at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, IL. Explore seasonal changes, including why our trees drop their leaves. Look for evidence of how the woods adapts for the stress of the pending cold weather. This section is open to adults only. A section for families is available at 3 p.m. Cost $5 (Lake Country Residents), $7 (Non-Residents).Registration deadline is October 10. Register online, by phone at (847) 968-3321 or by mail or fax using this form.

Dan Ryan Woods Work Party, 9 a.m. – noon
Join the Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, IL for their monthly stewardship event on Chicago’s south side. Help remove invasive plants, collect seeds, and clean up the preserve so native flora and fauna can thrive. 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 for more information. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves.

Skokie Lagoons Habitat Enhancement Workday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka, IL in their habitat enhancement efforts. They will be cutting brush. At their midway break they will share camaraderie, stories, juice, and cookies. Meet at the Tower Road parking lot.Contact jerrygarden@sprynet.com for more information. Visit fpdcc.com to learn more about the Cook County Forest Preserves.

Fall Color Bike Ride, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy one of nature's most beautiful color displays as we explore the Salt Creek Bike Trail on an 8-mile, naturalist-led bike ride in River Forest, IL. This event is free. For experienced riders only. For directions and to register, call (708) 266-6530.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Secret Gems: Hidden Places of Liberty Prairie Reserve, 9 a.m. – noon

Hike through an autumn landscape of rolling farm fields, oak woods, wetlands and prairie at Liberty Prairie Reserve in Libertyville, IL. Stop for a picnic snack at a secluded estate and then hike some more. You'll visit some of our properties as well as those of private landowners. Registration is required. Contact Cathy Morgan at (847) 548-5989 x33 or cmorgan@libertyprairie.org. Cost is $25 for non-members and $20 members.

Howl at the Moon: Night Stalkers

Explore Lyman Woods at night! Walk the trails listening for the sounds of the woods at night in Downers Grove, IL. Along the way we will watch for what lights up the night sky, whether it is the stars or animal eyes. Learn about the amazing nocturnal animals that live in Lyman Woods! The evening could end in a campfire complete with marshmallows. Families with children 6 and up. Cost is $14 per family. Registration is required by October 13. Contact Marge Trocki at (630) 963-9388 for more information.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Citizens for Conservation Work Day, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Join Citizens for Conservation volunteers as they harvest seed by hand from native plants. The seed will be used to restore tallgrass prairies in Barrington, IL. Groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the CFC office at 459 W. Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. Look for the white farmhouse across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Dress for the weather (layers recommended). Bring work gloves. Contact Sam Oliver at (847) 382-7283 or cfc@citizensforconservation.org for more information.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Chicago Wilderness Autumn Benefit Dinner

Save the date for the evening of November 11, as Chicago Wilderness celebrates the visionary collaboration of over 230 organizations working together to improve the quality of life for all living things by protecting the region’s lands and waters. Event to be held at The Field Museum in Chicago. Find more details at chicagowildernessmag.org.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thomas Lovejoy Speaking Engagement

Renowned conservation biologist Dr. Thomas Lovejoy will be in Chicago, for a Chicago Wilderness evening speaking engagement at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Lovejoy will provide insight on the emerging local threat from climate change, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, and the actions individuals and organizations can take. Dr. Lovejoy is president of The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment, and previously served as the Executive Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund–U.S. He coined the term “biological diversity” in 1980, is the author of numerous books, and is the founder of the public television series Nature. The event is open to the public and free of charge.