News and Events

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NIAS Membership Meeting: Impact of Bison on Nesting Birds in Nachusa

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL

Heather Herakovich, doctoral student at Northern Illinois University, will give a presentation about her research at Nachusa Grasslands on the impact of bison on nesting birds. Birds can be as fickle as their nests are fragile. So one might think a three-quarter-ton beast would be detrimental to our feathered friends, but not so.

Our meetings are free and open to the public!

Wildlife Wednesdays: Topic TBA

Wednesday, March 7, 2018
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

An Audubon member hosts this monthly series called Wildlife Wednesdays at the Freeport Public Library. Each month has a different theme related to nature and wildlife. The Audubon member will read various books related to the theme and incorporate educational and fun learning activities for the child and guardian. There are also activities that can be done at home to continue the learning!

Appropriate audience is two to seven-year olds.

Field Trip: Skunk Cabbage Walk at Franklin Creek

Saturday, March 10, 2018
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us as we stroll the hard-surfaced paths at the Franklin Creek State Natural Area in northern Lee County looking for that wetland harbinger of spring, Skunk Cabbage. Often heat from the growing Skunk Cabbage melts a circle of snow around the emerging plant.

Predicting plant emergence is an educated guess; be sure to sign up for this trip so that the leader can contact you if cancellation is necessary. Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 1:00 p.m. Join the carpool at the Forreston municipal lot at 1:20 p.m.

Please contact Mary to confirm attendance.

Conservation Committee Meeting

Monday, March 12, 2018
6 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL
 
Conservation Committee meeting at 6 p.m., St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd, Freeport (prior to the NIAS Board meeting).

NIAS Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, March 12, 2018
7 – 9 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL

Field Trip: Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
7 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us for this evening outing to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display. Be sure to call the listed leader before you make the trip to confirm that the birds are back and that the weather is suitable.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. or meet at the preserve at 7:00. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.

"Talking About the Issues"

Sunday, March 18, 2018
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
201 West Zimmerman St, Dakota, IL
Leader: Chris Kruger, 815-238-9259

“Talking About the Issues” discussion session at the home of Chris Kruger, 201 West Zimmerman Street in Dakota, IL.

The topic for the first hour will be announced at the March NIAS membership meeting. The second hour will be the customary discussion of whatever issues are brought forth by participants.

All are welcome to attend this issues discussion. Carpool from the Staples parking lot in Freeport at 1:00 or call Chris for directions.

Field Trip: Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch

Saturday, March 24, 2018
7 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leader: Anne Straight, 815-938-3263

Join us for this evening outing to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display. Be sure to call the listed leader before you make the trip to confirm that the birds are back and that the weather is suitable.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. or meet at the preserve at 7:00. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.

Field Trip: Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch

Thursday, March 29, 2018
7 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us for this evening outing to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display. Be sure to call the listed leader before you make the trip to confirm that the birds are back and that the weather is suitable.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. or meet at the preserve at 7:00. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.