News and Events

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

4-H Wee Naturalists- April Showers

Saturday, April 1, 2023
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Highland Community College, 2998 W Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL
Contact: 815-235-4125

NIAS would like to help share information about the University of Illinois Extension new environmental education program for children ages 4-7 called “Wee Naturalists”, hosted by 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty. It is an interactive program that includes a story, craft/activity, and an outdoor component (so it is encouraged to dress appropriately!). It is held on the 1st Saturday of every month through May 2023 at the University of Illinois Extension Office, Highland Community College campus (building R), 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. (Use Parking Lot B)

Programs include: February 4- Groundhogs, March 4- Signs of Spring, April 1- April Showers, May 6- Insects
The cost is $5.00 per session and is from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
For more information click here or to register, call 815-235-4125 or click here.

Bird Walk: Wetland Areas of eastern Stephenson County

Tuesday, April 4, 2023
8 – 11 a.m.
Harbor Freight, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Wetland Areas of Eastern Stephenson County. This outing has little walking as we drive to each wetland area and often view the birds from our vehicles.
Carpool at 7:45 a.m. from the Harbor Freight east parking area on Freeport's south side adjacent to the McDonald's along HWY 26.

Event: Twig Picture Frame

Saturday, April 8, 2023
10 – 11 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S Cranes Grove Rd, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Adam Moderow, 815-541-5842
Using the resources provided by nature, (and a little twine) we will build simple frames perfect for pictures or rustic decoration. We will review some basic knot and lashing techniques as well as how to find materials in the woods. Cutting tools will be used to make materials the appropriate size. Rope will be provided. Meet at the Oakdale Pavilion by the main 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.

Field Trip: Pasque Flowers @ Freeport Prairie

Monday, April 10, 2023
2 – 3 p.m.
Freeport Prairie, Walnut Rd, Freeport, IL (SW corner Walnut and Meadows Dr)
Coordinator: Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Blooming Pasque Flowers at the Freeport Prairie

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.

The Freeport Prairie is an Illinois Nature Preserve located on Freeport’s south side. Meet in the preserve’s parking lot just off of Walnut Rd. at 2 p.m.

Please contact Mary if you plan to attend. This trip will only happen if the flowers are blooming.

Event: Movie Night

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:30 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL
Coordinator:
Teresa Smith, 815-238-3963
Join us for two short films created by Turnstone Strategies: “Monty and Rose” a story about the 2 Piping Plovers that nested at Chicago’s Montrose Beach, and “The Magic Stump” a newly released film telling the story about an Illinois stump that has attracted raptors including two rare Prairie Falcons.
Bob Dolgan, an avid birder and the filmmaker for both of the films, will be available via Zoom to answer questions. Join us for one or both films.
Our chapter is hosting the Monty and Rose film to get people excited about the upcoming World Migratory Bird Day Theme - WATER.
There is no charge to attend this event. Snacks will be provided. Plan to bring your own water bottle.

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

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
8 – 11 a.m.
Coordinator: Laura Dufford, 815-541-8958

Duck’s Misery and the southern Jane Addams Trail. During most of this outing we are walking on the level, hard surface of the Jane Addams Trail. Some observations will be made from the
shoulder of Winneshiek Rd.

Carpool at 7:40 a.m. from the Harbor Freight east parking area on Freeport's south side adjacent to the McDonald's along HWY 26.

Annual Crane Count

Saturday, April 15, 2023
5:30 – 7:30 a.m.
Coordinator: Teresa Smith, 815-238-3963

Saturday, April 15 is the Annual Midwest Crane Count and Stephenson County has over 12 sites that are monitored each year as part of the Crane Count. Participants are on site from 5:30-7:30 am to listen and watch for cranes. It is a great way to participate in a citizen science project and enjoy the early morning sights and sounds. Notify Teresa Smith at 815-238-3963 by April 1st if you are interested in participating in this event.

Bird Walk: Northern Jane Addams Trail and Orangeville Wetlands - CANCELED

Thursday, April 20, 2023
8 – 11 a.m.
Trailhead in Orangeville, IL
CANCELED DUE TO FORECASTED WINDS/STORMS

Coordinator: Somer Elgin 815-275-0719

Northern Jane Addams Trail and the Orangeville Wetlands. Walking will be on the hard, level surface of the Jane Addams Trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead in Orangeville where we begin.

Carpool at 7:30 a.m. from the Harbor Freight east parking area on Freeport's south side adjacent to the McDonald's along HWY 26.

Bird Walk: Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve

Friday, April 28, 2023
8 – 11 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Anne Straight, 815-938-3263

Some parts of the trail are steep and the ground can be uneven. Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract, the part of Oakdale on the west side of Crane's Grove Rd. Restrooms are available in the parking area.