News and Events

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October Program: Winter is for the Birds

Tuesday, October 1, 2019
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL
Presenters:Wolf and Linnea Koch

While we find Sandhill Cranes throughout the Midwest between spring and late fall, visiting one of their southern winter habitats provides quite a different spectacle. Photographers Wolf and Linnea Koch will share pictures and stories of their visit to Bosque del Apache, NM, a Federal Wildlife Management area along the Rio Grande River. The presentation will provide outstanding photos of Sandhill Cranes and other birds found at Bosque del Apache. They will also share information on the migration patterns and habits of Sandhill Cranes.

Wolf and Linnea Koch are from Sterling, IL and teach photography seminars including seminars on capturing wildlife with your camera. Join us for an evening of spectacular photography and details about the birds of Bosque del Apache, New Mexico.

2019 Birdseed Sale- Deadline Must Receive Order by October 4

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Get your order in today! Take good care of your birds! Buy your annual supply of top quality birdseed from Audubon. Proceeds from your purchase will support the programs and projects of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society (NIAS), which include monthly natural history programs, educational events for kids and families, and a wide variety of other conservation and preserve efforts – all open to the public.

Click here to download the brochure/order form.

Meeting: "Talking About the Issues"

Thursday, October 3, 2019
7 – 9 p.m.
704 N Davis Street, Davis, IL
Coordinator: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279

"Talking About the Issues" at the home of Richard Benning, 704 N Davis St in Davis, IL

The topic for the first hour of discussion will be announced at the October 1st general membership meeting. During the second hour we will discuss topics brought forth by participants. All are welcome to attend this discussion.

Carpool from the Harbor Freight east parking lot in Freeport at 6:30 or call Richard for directions.

Event: Know-Know-Know Your Oaks

Saturday, October 5, 2019
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279

Not a repetition error, but rather the lyrics of a song to the tune of “Row-Row-Row Your Boat.” Oak trees are an integral part of several ecosystem types in our area. This program will cover both the natural and cultural history of oaks, including their importance to wildlife. We will be walking to see several species of oak trees, so dress accordingly. You may even learn the song. Meet at the main parking lot at Oakdale (near the Mogle Center).

Call Richard Benning 815-865-5279 for more information on this program.

Stewardship: Prairie Seed Collecting, Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Sunday, October 6, 2019
2 – 4 p.m.
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Leaf River, IL (SE corner of Leaf River and West Grove Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Prairie Seed Collecting at our Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 2-4 p.m. Tools, water, snacks and guidance provided.

Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 1:15 p.m. The preserve is about 2 miles south of Leaf River on the west side of Leaf River Rd. (S. Main St. crosses HWY 72 in Leaf River and becomes Leaf River Rd.). If weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204.

NIAS Preserves Reflections and Potluck Lunch

Thursday, October 10, 2019
10:30 a.m.
3445 N Union Rd, Polo, IL
Contact: Randy and Nancy Ocken, 815-440-5768

NIAS Preserves Reflections and Potluck Lunch for Elkhorn Creek and Silver Creek preserves volunteers at 10:30 a.m. We’ll gather at the home of Randy and Nancy Ocken (815-440-5768), 3445 N. Union Rd., Polo. Bring a dish to pass; beverages and table service will be provided. We’ll discuss 2019 preserves stewardship and consider ideas for 2020 before we have lunch.

All preserve volunteers from stewardship or educational activities are welcome to participate. Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 10:00 a.m. or call Ockens for directions. Please RSVP to Ockens if you plan to attend.

Field Trip: Sand Bluff Bird Observatory Donor Appreciation Breakfast

Saturday, October 12, 2019
8:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Colored Sands Forest Preserve, 10602 Haas Rd, Rockton, IL
Coordinator: Chris Kruger, 815-239-9259

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 12th for an open house at Sand Bluff Bird Observatory located at Colored Sands Forest Preserve, 10602 Haas Rd. Rockton, IL. Meet the carpool at Harbor Freight in Freeport at 7:30 am or join our group at Sand Bluff at 8:15 am. We are invited to come for breakfast, visit with their group and observe banding. There are also trails to explore in the 300+ acre preserve. Expected return time to Freeport approx. 11:30 am. Reservations for the breakfast required by September 30.

Call Chris Kruger at 815-239-9259 for reservations, carpool or other information. More information available on Sand Bluff Bird Observatory at sandbluff.org

Freeport Birdseed Pick-up

Thursday, October 17, 2019
Noon – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Co, 1240 S Adams Street, Freeport, IL

Freeport Birdseed Pick-up

Friday, October 18, 2019
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Co, 1240 S Adams Street, Freeport, IL

Forreston Birdseed Pick-up

Saturday, October 19, 2019
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
621 Hewitt St, Forreston, IL
Contact: Alice Akins, 815-938-3552

Dakota Birdseed Pick-up

Saturday, October 19, 2019
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
201 W Zimmerman St, Dakota
Contact: Chris Kruger, 815-238-9259

Davis Birdseed Pick-up

Saturday, October 19, 2019
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
319 N. Wright St, Davis, IL
Contact: Jeremy Dixon, 815-821-3921

Stockton Birdseed Pick-up

Saturday, October 19, 2019
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
12987 E Blair Hill, Stockton, IL
Contact: John Day, 815-947-315

Stewardship: Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Monday, October 21, 2019
1 – 3 p.m.
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Leaf River, IL (SE corner of Leaf River and West Grove Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Stewardship session at our Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tools, gloves, water, snacks and guidance provided. We’ll be working primarily on Multi-flora Rose and honeysuckle, but may do some seed collecting.

Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 12:15 p.m. The preserve is about 2 miles south of Leaf River on the west side of Leaf River Rd. (S. Main St. crosses HWY 72 in Leaf River and becomes Leaf River Rd.). If weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204.

Field Trip: Gretta's Goats, Local Food Tour

Tuesday, October 22, 2019
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
498 Farwell Bridge Rd, Pecatonica, IL 61063
Coordinator: Laura Dufford, 815-541-8958 or lauradufford@gmail.com

Enjoy a tour of Gretta’s Goats near Pecatonica. Gretta raises goats to make artisan cheese and soap. We’ll get a view of their small creamery and hear about their commercial cheese operation. We’ll also get a glimpse of their soap making process. And of course, we’ll get to meet the goats themselves! The farm also has bees for honey and pastured chickens for eggs. We’ll have time to visit the store to purchase cheese, soap, eggs, and honey (if available). Gretta also offers Goat Yoga, so it’s a chance to inquire about that activity.

Please confirm your attendance with Laura. We will meet at the Harbor Freight Parking lot at 12:00 for carpooling. We should arrive back in Freeport by 2:30. If you’d like to meet us at the farm the address is: 498 Farwell Bridge Rd., Pecatonica. The tour begins at 12:30.

Event: Almost-a-New-Moon at Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Friday, October 25, 2019
5:30 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Almost-a-New-Moon last campfire of 2019, Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve. Prairie stroll at 5:30 p.m., with the campfire to follow at 6:00. S’mores and water will be provided. Bring a lawn chair and flashlight.

Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 5:00. 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.

NIAS Newsletter Deadline

Monday, October 28, 2019

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Monday, October 28, 2019
1 – 3 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Stewardship session at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tools, gloves, water, snacks and guidance provided. We’ll be working primarily on Multi-flora Rose and honeysuckle. Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 12:30.

Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 12:30 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.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Wednesday, October 30, 2019
1 – 3 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)

Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Stewardship session at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tools, gloves, water, snacks and guidance provided. We’ll be working primarily on Multi-flora Rose and honeysuckle. Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 12:30.

Carpool from the east Harbor Freight lot in Freeport at 12:30 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.