Gray treefrog
A.B. Sheldon / Root Resources
Calendar
Please send calendar items to news@chicagowildernessmag.org.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Linne 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 Linne Prairie in Morton Grove, IL, helping 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.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lake Renwick Bird Viewing, 10 – 11 a.m.
From May through August, the herons, egrets, and cormorants build their nests and raise their young on the islands at Lake Renwick in Plainfield, IL. During this time of year the preserve visitation is restricted so as not to disturb the birds. On these Wednesdays, Forest Preserve District of Will County staff and volunteers will provide a guided viewing of the birds of Lake Renwick. Find out how the birds build their nests and get a chance to see the young as they grow. You must arrive by 10:00 am to take part in the tour. Telescopes and binoculars available. Be prepared for a short hike on a limestone trail. Ages 7 and older.
ShutterBugs of Volo Bog, 7 – 9 p.m.
Join ShutterBugs of Volo Bog, a photography club, on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings include how-to workshops, guest speakers & member competitions. Non-members are invited to attend, but membership is required to compete. No reservations needed. Call (815) 344-1294 for more information.
Saturday, July 19, 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 Prairie in Morton Grove, IL, helping 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.
Kayak DuPage, 9 – 11 a.m and noon – 2 p.m.
Try your hand at kayaking after learning basic techniques, watercraft safety and preserve information. Equipment provided. 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn, IL. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. $30 per person. Call the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at (630) 574-7700 for reservations.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Wright Woods Restoration Workday, 9 a.m.
Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save one of Lake County's natural areas at Wright Woods in Mettawa, IL. Workdays are a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, make new friends who share a concern for the preserves while making a meaningful contribution. All ages invited. Visit Lake County Forest Preserves for a full workday schedule, site steward contact information and meeting places, descriptions of workday activities and more. New volunteers and groups of four or more, please RSVP at (847) 968-3329.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Wildflower Walk, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Join us for a leisurely afternoon walk in a forest preserve setting at Independence Grove in Libertyville, 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. Program changes by season and location, attend several for a fuller appreciation. Registration required. Find more information here.
Wednesday, July 30, 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 July 16. Call the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at (630) 850-8110.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Going Batty, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
As the sun sets, watch our colony of Little Brown Bats take flight at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, IL. As these winged mammals awake and emerge from their home, our naturalist will recount the story of their lives. Click here for more details.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Moonlight Paddle at Monee Reservoir, 7 – 9 p.m.
Plan to relax with us as we paddle the quiet, calm waters of Monee Reservoir, near Monee, IL. Watch the moon rise above the tree tops and illuminate the landscape. Learn moon facts and fiction. Enjoy the serenity and mystery of night as we look and listen for the comings and goings of our nocturnal friends. Ages 10 and older; reservations and prepayment with the Forest Preserve District of Will County are required. Bug spray and a water bottle recommended. Previous canoe experience is also required!
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 later this summer 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. Find details later this summer at chicagowildernessmag.org.