Newsletters

Northwest Illinois Audubon Society is a chapter of National Audubon Society, Inc.

News and Events

KEY:

Meetings

Field
Trips

Stewardship
Days

Programs

Events

Other/Misc

April 2017

Next >>

Field Trip: Mississippi River Spring Waterfowl

Saturday, April 1, 2017
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Spring Lake, IL
Leader: Anne Straight, 815-938-3263

Join us as we look for migrating waterfowl on the Mississippi River south of Savanna. Usually a wide variety of both diving and dabbling ducks are seen in all their breeding plumage glory, along with grebes, Bald Eagles and some early songbirds. If luck is with us we’ll see Tundra Swans and Sandhill Cranes as well.

Carpool from the Forreston Municipal Parking Lot, south of the library, at 8 a.m. or meet at Spring Lake at 9 a.m. We’ll have lunch in Thomson around noon and then head to Lock and Dam #13. Call Anne to confirm your attendance.

Bird Walk: Wetlands of Eastern Stephenson County

Monday, April 3, 2017
8 – 11 a.m.
Staples, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
Leader: Mary Blackmore 815-938-3204

Wetland areas of eastern Stephenson county. Carpool at 8 a.m. from the Staples
east lot in Freeport.

NIAS 36th Spring Banquet

Tuesday, April 4, 2017
5:30 p.m.
Highland Community College, Bldg. H, Room 201, 2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL

This year the banquet will feature Corrine Daniels, the Nursery Director at Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries. Corrine will speak on the use of native habitat as part of the landscape in your yard and the diversity of native plants that can in used in your landscaping.

Reservations for the banquet must be received by March 24th. Reservation forms can be found online, click here, or by calling Tim at 815-835-5109

Silent Auction: 5:30
Dinner: 6:00
Program 7:30

Audubon in the Library: Wild Foods

Wednesday, April 5, 2017
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

Wildlife Wednesday: Wild Foods
An Audubon member hosts this monthly series at the Freeport Public Library. The free program is for ages 2-7 featuring a story time followed by related activity.

Environmental Lobby Day

Thursday, April 6, 2017
Springfield, IL

Are you frustrated with the bureaucratic attitude toward the environment? Have you bemoaned the state of things in Illinois? Want to do something about it? We’ve got just the thing. Click here for more information.

On Thursday, April 6th IEC and our supporters will be gathering in Springfield for the 2017 Environmental Lobby day. We know that these meetings have been vital in passing important environmental policies in the past and this year, it will be more important than ever that we make sure state legislators hear our concerns loud and clear.

Field Trip: Blooming Pasque Flowers at the Freeport Prairie

Friday, April 7, 2017
3 – 4 p.m.
Freeport Prairie
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us as we admire one of the prairie’s harbingers of spring, the Pasque Flower. Unlike the crocus it resembles, a Pasque Flower, Anemone patens, is a member of the buttercup family. In early spring the plant sends up a flower stalk in advance of leaves so what you see are delicate pale violet blooms nestled in the muted tan tangle of last year’s prairie grasses. Come and see how Pasque Flower blooms actually move to track the sun.

We’ll meet in the prairie’s parking lot just off of Walnut Rd. at 3 p.m.

Annual Midwest Crane Count

Saturday, April 8, 2017
5:30 – 7:30 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204.

We’ll once again be counting Sandhill Cranes in Stephenson County. Our count is part of the larger Midwest Crane Count organized by the International Crane Foundation. Following the count we’ll gather at a local restaurant for breakfast and to turn in count forms. No experience is necessary! If you are new to the Crane Count you will have a veteran counting partner. See current newsletter for details.

"Talking About the Issues"

Monday, April 10, 2017
7 – 9 p.m.
Leaders: Harlan and Judy Corrie, 815-563-4932

We will meet at the home of Harlan and Judy Corrie in rural Cedarville, 815-563-4932. The first hour will focus on the ecological role of Illinois bobcats and efforts to monitor their populations. The topic article can be obtained by calling Harland and Judy. The second hour will be a discussion of whatever issues are brought forth by participants. All are welcome. Carpool from the Staples east lot in Freeport at 6:30 or call Corries for directions.

Bird Walk: Duck's Misery/south Jane Addams Trail

Wednesday, April 12, 2017
7:40 – 11 a.m.
Staples, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
Leader: Laura Dufford 815-947-2720

Duck's Misery and the southern Jane Addams Trail. Carpool at 7:40 a.m. from the
Staples east lot in Freeport.

Environmental Film Series: Born to be Wild

Thursday, April 13, 2017
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

Born to be Wild (Rated G)
A short, nature documentary that examines the lives of orphaned orangutans and elephants affected by poaching and habitat encroachment and follows the efforts of individuals who work to rescue, rehabilitate, and return the animals to the wild. (2011) 40 min.

Earth Month Children's Cleanup

Friday, April 14, 2017
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

Juliet and Anna from the library will lead a children’s cleanup. We will start at the library and walk around the downtown area to safely pick up trash. The goal is to teach children about not littering and to set examples for others.

Stewardship: Parsnip and Mustard at Elkhorn Creek

Tuesday, April 18, 2017
2 – 4 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leaders: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 or Nancy Ocken, rnocken@gmail.com

We’re banking on an early spring and have scheduled several stewardship sessions in April and May to work on Wild Parsnip and Garlic Mustard at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve (see calendar). Early removal means we just slice and fling with our trusty parsnip predator tools and don’t have to carry out seedheads. Be sure to wear a hat, long sleeves, long pants (light colored is best) and socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick detection).

Tools, gloves, water and snacks will be provided. If weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204 or email Nancy at rnocken@gmail.com. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southwest corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. Carpool from the Staples east lot in Freeport at times indicated on the calendar.

Bird Walk: North Jane Addams Trail/Orangeville Wetlands

Thursday, April 20, 2017
7:30 – 11 a.m.
Staples, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
Leader: Somer Bozovsky 815-275-0719

Northern Jane Addams Trail and the Orangeville Wetlands. Meet at the trailhead in Orangeville, just east of the BP gas station. Carpool at 7:30 a.m. from the Staples east lot
in Freeport.

Environmental Film Series: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Thursday, April 20, 2017
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Rated PG)
An animated film that occurs far in the future after an apocalyptic conflict has devastated much of the world’s ecosystem. Young Nausicaä is one of the few surviving humans that can communicate with the massive insects that populate the planet and work to bring peace back to the ravaged planet. (1984) 1 hr 58 min.

Environmental Film Series: Life in China

Friday, April 21, 2017, to Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Lindo Theatre 115 S Chicago Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
Environmental Film Series -- Life in China at the Lindo Theatre

Disneynature, in its ongoing quest to bring the natural world to the big screen as never before, presents its most ambitious project to date, taking moviegoers on a grand journey into the wilds of China. “Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey and the elusive snow leopard. Featuring stunning imagery, the film navigates the vast terrain—from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest—on the wings of a red-crowned crane, showcasing remarkably intimate family moments captured on film for the first time ever. See Born in China opening week and Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to World Wildlife Fund to benefit wild pandas and snow leopards.

The Lindo Theatre - Classic Cinemas will be showing the film on the following dates:

Friday 4/21 4:05 6:00 7:55 9:50

Saturday 4/22 10:20 am, 12:15, 2:10, 4:05, 6:00, 7:55, 9:50

Sunday 4/23 10:20 12:15 2:10 4:05 6:00 7:55

Monday and Tuesday 4/24-25 4:05 6:00 7:55

Wednesday 4/26 12:15 2:10 4:05 6:00 7:55

Stewardship: Parsnip and Mustard at Elkhorn Creek

Friday, April 21, 2017
2 – 4 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leaders: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 or Nancy Ocken, rnocken@gmail.com

Earth Day Event

Saturday, April 22, 2017
1 – 4 p.m.
Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032

Leader: Juliet Moderow, 201-233-0946

Earth Day Event
Event is free and open to the public, rain or shine

Attendees will be able to visit with the participating groups and enjoy a variety of activities around the park. There will be a passport to complete the activities.

Gunkel Shelter - On-going from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Water colors and drawing with the Freeport Art Museum
You'll be able to take home your masterpiece!

Learning how to kayak with the Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation
If weather conditions are suitable, the kayaks will be placed in the water at the boat ramp.

Learning about Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed plants with the University of Illinois Extension and 4-H
Kids will be able to make and take home millkweed planters.

Cottage Near the Boat Ramp - On-going from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Vermicomposting with U of I Master Gardeners, Glenn and Laurie Gungel
Learn about red worms!

Let’s Go Buggy with the U of I Master Gardeners
Make and take home an insect hotel

Krape Community Building - 2:00 p.m. only

Birds of Prey program by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education
Space is limited to 80 people, but priority will first be given to NIAS members.
Please contact nwilauduon@gmail.com or 201-233-0946 to sign up and reserve a spot. On the day of the event, it will be first come, first served until capacity.

Walk the Park - 3:00 p.m. only

Walking Mediation with Your Core Being
Meet at Gunkel Shelter and then walk around the park

Schedule subject to change, keep checking close to event.

Bird Walk: Pecatonica River Forest Preserve

Monday, April 24, 2017
7:30 – 11 a.m.
Staples, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
Leader: Richard Benning (815-865-5279)

Pecatonica River Forest Preserve (main entrance by the campground). A special
likely bonus of this walk will be stunning wildflowers and singing frogs! Carpool at 7:30 a.m. from the Staples east lot in Freeport.

Stewardship: Parsnip and Mustard at Elkhorn Creek

Wednesday, April 26, 2017
10 a.m. – noon
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leaders: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 or Nancy Ocken, rnocken@gmail.com

Conservation Conversations

Thursday, April 27, 2017
5:30 p.m.
Amigos, 306 N Galena Ave, Freeport, IL

Conservation Conversations
Please join us for good company, good food and the chance to talk about conservation issues

Environmental Film Series: Before the Flood

Thursday, April 27, 2017
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL

Before the Flood (Unrated)
A riveting documentary presented by National Geographic featuring Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace. He travels to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand and meets with scientists and political leaders trying to educate and fight against the inaction toward climate change. (2016) 1hr 36 min

Be The Change: 3rd Annual Super Cleanup

Saturday, April 29, 2017
10 a.m.

Be The Change 3^rd annual Super Cleanup will take place Saturday, April 29 with kickoff at 10:00 am. For more information, contact BTCGrimeFighters@yahoo.com, 815-990-2376, or visit: www.facebook.com/BeTheChangeFreeport

Stewardship: Parsnip and Mustard at Elkhorn Creek

Saturday, April 29, 2017
10 a.m. – noon
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leaders: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 or Nancy Ocken, rnocken@gmail.com

Field Trip: Wildflowers of the Palisades

Sunday, April 30, 2017
1 – 5 p.m.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Each spring portions of the Mississippi Palisades State Park just north of Savanna are a wildflower wonderland. Especially impressive are carpets of three species of trillium, including Large-Flowered Trillium. Also unique to the Palisades is the Amethyst Shooting Star found near the top of the bluffs.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 1 p.m. or meet our group at the first parking lot inside the south entrance to the Palisades. We’ll return to Freeport around 5 p.m., followed by optional supper at a nearby restaurant. Call Mary to confirm your attendance.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30