News and Events

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Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Lower East Planting

Thursday, June 1, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools and directions about our work always will be provided.

Freeport Prairie Nature Preserve is just south of the intersection of Meadows Dr. and Walnut Rd. on the south side of Freeport. Parking is off of Walnut Rd.

Stewardship: Freeport Prairie

Saturday, June 3, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Freeport Prairie, Walnut Rd, Freeport, IL (SW corner Walnut and Meadows Dr)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools and directions about our work always will be provided.

Freeport Prairie Nature Preserve is just south of the intersection of Meadows Dr. and Walnut Rd. on the south side of Freeport. Parking is off of Walnut Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Swamp Sparrow Wetland

Monday, June 5, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Juliet Moderow, 201-233-0946

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Old Joe Seep

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinators: Nancy & Randy Ocken, 815-440-5768

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Corner Planting

Friday, June 9, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Field Trip: Nygren Wetland Preserve Tour

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Carpool @ Harbor Freight, 1722 S West Ave, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Chris Kruger, 815-238-9259

Join us for a guided tour of the Nygren Wetland Preserve west of Rockton. This 721 acre tract is owned by the Natural Land Institute and consists of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. The tour includes a wagon ride and we need at least 10 people to attend. Cost is $5 per person. More on the preserve is available at naturalland.org. Carpool from Harbor Freight in Freeport at 8:30 am. Afterward we will have lunch at nearby Bushel & Peck’s in Beloit, WI. This neighborhood market and café serves organic, locally sourced sandwiches. See the menu and more info at bushelandpecks.com. Expected return time to Freeport by 1:30pm, Confirm your attendance with Chris Kruger at 815-238-9259 by June 7th.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Fruit Bowl

Thursday, June 15, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Kara Gallup, 815-871-8041

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Spiderwort Vista

Saturday, June 17, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Anne Straight, 815-938-3263

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

New Moon Firefly Campfire at Elkhorn Creek

Monday, June 19, 2023
8 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

New Moon Firefly Campfire at our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve at 8 p.m. First we’ll take a stroll to observe nesting birds and blooming plants. The campfire begins at 8:30 p.m., with s’mores provided. We hope to see an impressive display of fireflies. Bring a lawn chair, flashlight, insect repellent and, if desired, water.

Note: Accessibility via ATV transportation to and from the campfire circle will be available courtesy of Bob and Kara Gallup.

The Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd. If weather is questionable call Mary at 915-938-3204.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Bluestem View

Wednesday, June 21, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Leader: Kara Gallup, 815-871-8014

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Swamp Sparrow Wetland

Friday, June 23, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Juliet Moderow, 201-233-0946

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Field Trip: Insect Biodiversity @ Silver Creek

Saturday, June 24, 2023
10:30 a.m. – noon
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Leaf River, IL (SE corner of Leaf River and West Grove Rds)
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Join us as we leisurely stroll the trails at our Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, led by entomologist extraordinaire John Walt, in search of the many fascinating insects that can be found there. As John says, “We could see anything!” Butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, a host of “leaf-eaters” and more could be observed.

Bring water if desired. Snacks will be provided. If the weather is questionable, call Mary. The preserve is located 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 HWY 72 in Leaf River and becomes Leaf River Rd.)

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Elkhorn Riparian Strip

Monday, June 26, 2023
8 – 10 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Jeremy Dixon, 815-821-3921

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

NIAS Newsletter Deadline

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Old Joe Seep

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinators: Nancy & Randy Ocken, 815-440-5768

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.

Stewardship: Elkhorn Creek, Blazing Star Saddles

Friday, June 30, 2023
7 – 9 a.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL (SE corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds)
Coordinator: Bernard Lischwe, 815-275-9200

Please join us for this stewardship session. Depending upon the site or week, we will be doing a variety of tasks such as removing sweet clover, burdock and wild parsnip, cutting brush, girdling saplings or otherwise reducing the competition to our native prairie, woodland and wetland species.

You Supply: Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks long enough to tuck your pant legs into (for tick avoidance), a hat and footwear that can get wet (earlier is dewier!). Take along insect repellent, sunscreen and work gloves.
We Supply: Tools, gloves, snacks and directions about our  work always will be provided.

Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds., with parking off of West Grove Rd.