News and Events

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Program: Update from Illinois Evironmental Council, 2023 Annual Report

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL
Presenter: Jen Walling, Executive Director for the Illinois Environmental Council

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has had many victories in conservation due to the support of its affiliate members and individual supporters. Jen Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council will discuss the state of support for conservation in the Illinois State Capitol, discuss recent victories for the environment as well as issues that IEC continues to work on to improve the environment by influencing decision makers in Illinois.

Jen Walling has served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Environmental Council since January of 2011. Jen has drafted, negotiated, lobbied and passed hundreds of bills in Springfield while working to build the power, expertise and relationships of the entire environmental community. Jen holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received a juris doctorate from the University Of Illinois College Of Law and is an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Watch our recorded programs:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_KNVpgieuK07V4dT-dALBg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestIllinoisAudubonSociety/

Field Trip: Maquoketa Caves State Park

Tuesday, October 10, 2023
8:30 a.m.
Carpool: Harbor Freight, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279
This park, in Iowa, offers interesting and scenic topography in the midst of a typical mid-west agricultural area. There are over a dozen caves within the park, ranging in size from tiny to fairly large. We will not be doing any spelunking, but we can walk through the largest cave and also see the entrances to most of the smaller caves. Anticipate that some of the trails have steep sections and numerous steps.
Bring a sack lunch and water bottle because we will plan on eating in the park. Estimated return time is 5:00 PM. Please call the trip leader to register so we can plan accordingly.

Stewardship: Prairie Seed Collecting at Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Saturday, October 14, 2023
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, snacks and guidance provided. Bring water and insect repellent. The 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 (S. Main St. crosses NWY 72 in Leaf River and becomes Leaf River Rd.) If the weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204.

2023 Birdseed Sale Thursday Pick-up Location

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Noon – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Company, 1240 S Adams St, Freeport, IL

Pick-up time is noon - 4:00 p.m.
Freeport: O'Mara Transport Co., 1240 S. Adams St
 

2023 Birdseed Sale Friday Pick-up Location

Friday, October 20, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
O'Mara Transport Company, 1240 S Adams St, Freeport, IL

Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Freeport: O'Mara Transport Co., 1240 S. Adams St
 

2023 Birdseed Sale Saturday Pick-up Locations

Saturday, October 21, 2023
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

All pick-up times are 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Stockton: 12987 E. Blair Hill, Stockton, IL
Forreston: 606 S. 5th Ave, Forreston, IL
Dakota: 201 W. Zimmerman St, Dakota, IL
Davis: 319 N. Wright St, Davis, IL

 

Beginning Birder Club- Finding and Naming Birds - REGISTRATION CLOSED - Contact for waitlist

Saturday, October 21, 2023
10:30 a.m. – noon
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Juliet Moderow, moderowja@gmail.com, 201-233-0946
Finding and naming birds: We will learn about habitats where birds can be found and how to identify local birds that can be found in the area.
This will be a fun, educational program for youths to learn about different topics about birds. Lessons will be tailored for ages 6-10, but younger/older children are welcome. An adult must be present with the youth during the entire program. All sessions are independent from each other, so you are welcome to attend any that you are able.
Each program will be held at 10:30 am to approximately 12:00 pm on the third Saturday of the month (to remember, third rhymes with bird!). Sessions will be held at the Freeport Public Library in the Youth Services Program Room (past the big tree!), but we will try to end the session outside to look for birds. Please dress appropriately for the weather as well. Please register in advance as space is limited and to help determine amount of materials needed for each session.

To register:
Contact Juliet Moderow, moderowja@gmail.com

Discussion: Is "Audubon" and Appropriate Chapter Name?

Monday, October 23, 2023
1 – 3 p.m.
Fred and Carol Redmore, 1809 Parkview Circle, Freeport, IL
Coordinators: Fred and Carol Redmore, 815-721-3374

In March of 2023 the National Audubon Society Board of Directors voted to keep its organization name as is. This vote was instigated by an increased societal awareness of the cruelty of slavery and concern pertaining to the actions and beliefs of John James Audubon during his lifetime.

There are several ways in which you can make your voice heard:
• Write to NIAS at PO Box 771, Freeport, IL 61032
• Send an email to our chapter’s email address; nwilaudubon@gmail.com
• Participate in an in-person discussion at the home of Fred and Carol Redmore, 1809 Parkview Circle in Freeport on October 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
• Participate in a ZOOM discussion on October 23 at 6:30 PM. If you choose this option please send an email to the above mentioned email address so that the ZOOM link can be sent to you.

The Board wants ALL members of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society to feel welcome at ALL chapter functions, and to feel welcome to share their thoughts on this issue.

Event: Almost-A-Full-Moon Campfire @ Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Thursday, October 26, 2023
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-Full-Moon Campfire at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve. Stroll The trails at 5:30 p.m., to observe plants and animals; the campfire follows at 6 p.m. Clear skies should give us a spectacular moon show. S’mores will be provided as well as ATV transportation to and from the campfire circle, courtesy of Bob and Kara Gallup. Bring a lawn chair, flashlight and water. 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

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Stewardship: Prairie Seed Processing

Sunday, October 29, 2023
1 – 4 p.m.
3350 S Mill Grove Rd, Pearl City, IL
Coordinator: Anita Nienhuis, 815-443-2401

Join us for prairie seed processing at the Nienhuis Deluxe Shed! Seed processing is easy and fun; no experience is necessary. It’s sort of like a botanical quilting bee, with lots of good conversation.
Dust masks will be provided (or bring your own) since we raise considerable dust while rubbing seedheads across screens. Masks also will provide viral protection. All mint species will be processed in an outdoor workspace.

Our traditional potluck will be held at the conclusion of our work on November 16. Bring a dish to pass and RSVP to Anita at 815-443-2401.

Directions to the Nienhuis home at 3350 S. Mill Grove Rd., Pearl City: Take Pearl City Rd. west from Freeport about 7 miles. Turn left (south) on Block Rd. In a little over 1 mile turn left (south) on Mill Grove Rd. The Nienhuis driveway is on your right, less than ½ mile down Mill Grove Rd. and directly across the entrance to a campground.