News and Events

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Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Lower West Planting

Monday, July 1, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Field Trip: Meinert Prairie

Tuesday, July 2, 2019
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Juda, WI or Harbor Freight, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Laura Dufford, 815-947-2720, 815-541-8958 lauradufford@gmail.com

Meet at Nick Faessler residence: W1156 Stateline Rd, Juda, WI at 4:45 p.m. or carpool from Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport, IL.

The Meinert Prairie was recently donated to The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE) by Richard and Joanne Meinert. This is a 6.5 acre remnant that has been managed by Nick Faessler, a member of TPE. We will be joining the Prairie Bluff chapter of TPE to tour this unique property. Those wishing, may join the TPE group in their annual potluck; at the Faessler residence after the tour. Others may wish to bring a snack for the ride home.

Contact Laura to confirm attendance. Carpool from the Harbor Freight parking lot at 4:15 p.m. Return around 7:15 p.m.

Field Trip: Freeport Prairie

Monday, July 8, 2019
10:30 a.m. – noon
Freeport Prairie, Walnut Rd, Freeport, IL (SW corner Walnut and Meadows Dr)
Coordinator: Laura Dufford, 815-947-2720, 815-541-8958 lauradufford@gmail.com

We’ll take a leisurely stroll through the Freeport Prairie Nature Preserve hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the summer blooms. The Freeport Prairie is an Illinois dedicated Nature Preserve owned by the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation. Call Laura if there is questionable weather.

The Freeport Prairie is located on the south edge of Freeport, on the west side of Walnut Rd. It is just south of the intersection of Meadows Dr. and Walnut Rd. We’ll meet in the site’s parking lot.

Meeting: NIAS Conservation Committee

Tuesday, July 9, 2019
6 – 7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL

Meeting: NIAS Board Meeting

Tuesday, July 9, 2019
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Sandy Slope

Wednesday, July 10, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leaders: John and Anita Nienhuis, 815-443-2401

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

"Kids and Grandparents" Morning

Thursday, July 11, 2019
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Leader: Richard Benningm 815-865-5279

Meet at the Mogle Center in Oakdale Nature Preserve, south end of parking lot.

This is a program designed to help grandparents and grandchildren experience the natural world together. Several activities will be offered promoting interaction in an outdoor setting. Activities will be most appropriate for grandchildren ages 6-11.

Please call Richard Benning, 815-865-5279, to sign-up for this event so it can be determined how many supplies are needed. Oakdale is three miles south of Freeport on Baileyville Road.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Riparian Strip

Friday, July 12, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Jeremy Dixon, 815-821-3921

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Swamp Sparrow Wetland

Monday, July 15, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Juliet Moderow, 201-233-0946

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Full Moon Campfire at Elkhorn Creek

Tuesday, July 16, 2019
7 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Full Moon Campfire at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve at 7 p.m. We’ll stroll the trails, observin birds, blooming plants and butterflies. The campfire begins at 8 p.m. with a good chance of heaing Screech Owls after dark. S’mores and water provided.

Carpool from the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. If weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204.

Meeting: "Talking About the Issues"

Wednesday, July 17, 2019
7 – 9 p.m.
3350 S Mill Grove Rd, Pearl City, IL
Leaders: John and Anita Nienhuis, 815-443-2401

“Talking About the Issues” monthly discussion session from 7-9 p.m. at the home of
John and Anita Nienhuis, 3350 S. Mill Grove Rd., Pearl City, IL, 815-443-2401.

The first hour topic, from an opinion piece by writer/scientist Sandra Steingraber, explores why humans often do nothing with overwhelming amounts of information about an environmental problem, and how we can overcome our instincts to avoid getting at the souce of issues like climate change.

For a copy of the article contact Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204. The second hour will be the customary discussion of whatever issues are brought forth by participants. All are welcome to attend.

Carpool form the Harbor Frieght parking lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. or call John and Anita
Nienhuis for directions, 815-443-2401.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Black Oak Savanna

Friday, July 19, 2019
8 – 10 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leaders: Jim and Pam Richards, 815-338-4049

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 7:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Black Oak Savanna

Monday, July 22, 2019
8 – 10 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leaders: Jim and Pam Richards, 815-338-4049

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 7:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Goats 'n Roses and Trail Trimming

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

We will be doing trail trimming for the Butterfly Festival on July 27.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Elkhorn Creek Butterfly Festival

Saturday, July 27, 2019
1 – 5 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us for a fun, informative family friendly afternoon as we explore the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve for the many butterflies that are found there. From 1-5 p.m. participants may join guided butterfly tours or look on their own for those winged beauties. Tours will begin at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. “Illinois Butterflies and Moths” pocket guides will be distributed at no charge while supplies last. We’ll have a shady rest area with chairs, as well as a restroom, cold beverages, snacks and information about pollinators.

If the weather is questionable, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204 before 10 a.m. on July 27. To date 34 species of butterflies and skippers have been documented at the preserve.

The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Jim's Hill

Monday, July 29, 2019
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Lynn Feaver, 815-235-9530

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Elkhorn Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 6:30 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions:
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. Parking is off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Wednesday, July 31, 2019
8 – 10 a.m.
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Leaf River, IL (SE corner of Leaf River and West Grove Rds)
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland remnants.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent and sunscreen.

We Supply: Tools, gloves, water, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Carpooling: The carpool site to Silver Creek is the east portion of the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport along HWY 26 on the south edge of town. Carpool 7:15 a.m.

Questions? If the weather is questionable or you need more information, contact the listed leader(s).

Site Directions: Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 2 miles south of Leaf River in the southwest corner of the intersection of Leaf River Rd. and West Grove Rd. Parking is off of Leaf River Rd. about ¼ mile south of the intersection (S. Main St. crossing Hwy 72 in Leaf River becomes Leaf River Rd.)