News and Events

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Fall Prairie Seed Collecting

Thursday, October 1, 2020
Coordinators: Nancy Ocken, rnocken@gmail.com and Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Every September and October we collect the seeds of prairie grasses and forbs at our preserves and then in late fall or winter we scatter those seeds in less diverse areas of those same sites.

Due to the variability of seed ripening, plus the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be using our contact list only to inform volunteers of our seed collecting outings. To get on the list, e-mail Nancy at rnocken@gmail.com or call Mary at 815-938-3204. When contacted you may join us if you are available. We hope to have many opportunities and to provide as much notice as possible.

Full Moon Campfire at Elkhorn Creek

Thursday, October 1, 2020
6 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. We’ll take a socially-distanced stroll at 6 p.m. to observe plants and animals and begin the campfire at 6:30. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, group size is limited so you must call Mary at 815-938-3204 to reserve your place.

We will provide packets of s’mores and individual roasting sticks. Please bring your own water, if desired, plus a lawn chair and flashlight.

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. Bring your face covering in case there are times when you will be unable to social-distance.

2020 Birdseed Sale Order DEADLINE

Friday, October 2, 2020

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 sale flyer.

Family Scavenger Hunt at Oakdale Nature Preserve

Saturday, October 3, 2020
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279
Family Scavenger Hunt at Oakdale Nature Preserve, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Getting out in the natural world can be a great way to relieve the sense of isolation caused by the pandemic. This activity will encourage family units to get out and about at Oakdale searching for certain tangible and intangible things.

Meet at the parking lot near the Mogle Center anytime within the above stated time parameters to get your scavenger hunt list. Wearing masks and physical distancing will be requested when getting your list and should you find yourself in close proximity to other family units. Participants are asked to call Richard Benning (815-865-5279) to register for
this activity in case it becomes necessary to limit participation.

October Program: Understanding the “Survival by Degrees Report” Video Link

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, to Saturday, October 17, 2020
Virtual Presentation with Zoom
Presenter: Juliet Moderow
Virtual Program

NIAS past president and Highland Community College biology instructor Juliet Moderow will explain the science behind the National Audubon Society “Survival by Degrees” report that was released in October of 2019. Two-thirds of North American birds are at increasing risk of extinction from global temperature rise. The results will be shared, with specific details from northwest Illinois. The predicted climate threats for this area will also be explained and what specific birds would be impacted.

Click HERE to view the presentation on YouTube.

Click HERE to view the recorded video presentation with Zoom and use this passcode when prompted: +$h6Ym2^. This link can be used at your convenience. The program is free and open to the public.

October Program: Understanding the “Survival by Degrees Report”

Tuesday, October 6, 2020
7 p.m.
Virtual with Zoom
Presenter: Juliet Moderow
Virtual Program through Zoom

NIAS past president and Highland Community College biology instructor Juliet Moderow will explain the science behind the National Audubon Society “Survival by Degrees” report that was released in October of 2019. Two-thirds of North American birds are at increasing risk of extinction from global temperature rise. The results will be shared, with specific details from northwest Illinois. The predicted climate threats for this area will also be explained and what specific birds would be impacted. Juliet will also share how you can help and make a difference.

For all individuals who want to join the program, please email nwilaudubon@gmail.com to receive the link and password to join this Zoom program. 

We will begin at 7:00 pm, first with any chapter announcements from the president and board members. The program will follow with time for questions and discussions at the end.
Open to the public!

2020 Birdseed Sale Thursday Pick-up

Thursday, October 15, 2020
Noon – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Company, 1240 S. Adams St, Freeport, IL

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Steps we’re taking to keep our customers, members and volunteers safe:
• When you arrive at your chosen pickup location, we will provide the equivalent of curbside pickup. Please remain in your vehicle and Audubon volunteers will load your seed.
• If you have picked up your birdseed at one of our locations in the past, we ask that you continue to do so this year if possible so as not to overload our limited ability to make deliveries possible.
• At all of our birdseed locations, Audubon volunteers will need to wear a face covering when they are unable to social distance.

We thank all of you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to another successful birdseed sale!

2020 Birdseed Sale Friday Pick-up

Friday, October 16, 2020
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Company, 1240 S. Adams St, Freeport, IL

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Steps we’re taking to keep our customers, members and volunteers safe:
• When you arrive at your chosen pickup location, we will provide the equivalent of curbside pickup. Please remain in your vehicle and Audubon volunteers will load your seed.
• If you have picked up your birdseed at one of our locations in the past, we ask that you continue to do so this year if possible so as not to overload our limited ability to make deliveries possible.
• At all of our birdseed locations, Audubon volunteers will need to wear a face covering when they are unable to social distance.

We thank all of you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to another successful birdseed sale!

2020 Birdseed Sale Saturday Pick-up Locations

Saturday, October 17, 2020
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Stockton: 12987 E. Blair Hill, Stockton, IL
Forreston: 621 Hewitt St, Forreston, IL
Dakota: 201 W. Zimmerman St, Dakota, IL
Davis: 319 N. Wright St, Davis, IL

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Steps we’re taking to keep our customers, members and volunteers safe:
• When you arrive at your chosen pickup location, we will provide the equivalent of curbside pickup. Please remain in your vehicle and Audubon volunteers will load your seed.
• If you have picked up your birdseed at one of our locations in the past, we ask that you continue to do so this year if possible so as not to overload our limited ability to make deliveries possible.
• At all of our birdseed locations, Audubon volunteers will need to wear a face covering when they are unable to social distance.

We thank all of you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to another successful birdseed sale!

Field Trip: Pecatonica Wetland Forest Preserve

Tuesday, October 27, 2020
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Coordinator: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279

Join us for an October field trip to the Pecatonica Wetland Forest Preserve. Our focus will be on the migrating waterfowl visiting the oxbow lakes of the Pecatonica River.

Call Richard at 815-865-5279 for reservations and to get directions.

NIAS Newsletter Deadline

Wednesday, October 28, 2020