News and Events

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Program: The Climate and Equiptable Jobs Act (CEJA)

Tuesday, October 4, 2022
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL
Presenter: Candy Colby

Candy is a member of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society and the Environmental Study Group (ESG), a local group whose focus is to promote sustainable practices in NW Illinois.

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, passed by the Illinois Legislature and signed into law by Governor Pritzker in September 2021, is ground-breaking legislation that positions Illinois as an important state leader in clean energy, climate action and environmental justice.

Matt Harvey of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group, will also be present to speak briefly about CUB and to answer any questions related to taking advantage of energy efficiency opportunities and community solar.

Event: Oaktober

Saturday, October 8, 2022
9 – 10 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S Cranes Grove Rd, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Adam Moderow, adamoderow@gmail.com or 815-541-5842

Oak trees are a special part of our local ecosystem. Most of us see an oak tree every day, even if we don’t realize it. This Oaktober, our program will focus on these trees that too often go overlooked. We will take a hike and learn how to identify oak trees, (and some others,) learn about how they have adapted to and shaped our environment and discuss their role as a host species. What better place to celebrate Oaktober than Oakdale? Remember to dress for the shifting temperature of October. Meet by the Mogle building, just off of the parking lot.

Contact Adam Moderow at adamoderow@gmail.com or at 815-541-5842 to register in case it becomes necessary to limit the number of participants.

Event: Full Moon Campfire at Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Sunday, October 9, 2022
6 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

New Moon Campfire at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve. Stroll the trails at 6 p.m. to observe plants and animals; the campfire follows at 6:30. Clear skies should give us a spectacular star show, including the Milky Way. S’mores will be provided. 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 Annual Bird Seed Sale Fundraiser: Deliveries and Freeport pickups

Thursday, October 13, 2022, to Friday, October 14, 2022
O'Mara Transport Company, 1240 S Adams St, Freeport, IL

NIAS annual Bird Seed Sale Fundraiser: Deliveries and Freeport pickups at O’Mara Transport Company.
Thursday, October 13: noon-4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 14: 8:30 a.m.-4:00p.m.

NIAS Annual Bird Seed Sale Fundraiser Pickups

Saturday, October 15, 2022
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Various

NIAS annual Bird Seed Sale Fundraiser: Stockton, Forreston, Davis and Dakota pickups only.

Stewardship: Prairie Seed Collecting at Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Sunday, October 23, 2022
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.

Stewardship: Prairie Seed Processing

Thursday, October 27, 2022
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.

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.

NIAS Newsletter Deadline

Friday, October 28, 2022