News and Events

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Prairie Stewardship: Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
8 – 10 a.m.
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Stewardship work day. Tools, gloves, water, snacks and training provided. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes that can get wet! Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 7:15 a.m. 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 HWY 72 in Leaf River and becomes Leaf River Rd.).

Audubon in the Library: Wildlife Wednesday

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Freeport Public Library

"Nature's Slowpokes"

An Audubon member hosts a monthly series called Wildlife Wednesdays at the Freeport Public Library. During the program, there is first a special story time followed by an activity related to the theme.

Appropriate audience is two- to seven-year olds.

Field Trip: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, August 6, 2016
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Carpool from Staples in Freeport at 7 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

On this trip to Necedah, we hope to see Whooping Cranes and Karner Blue Butterflies, both federally endangered species, among the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the refuge. Established in 1939, Necedah - Ho Chunk for “land of yellow waters” - is a complex of wetlands, openlands and woodlands in central Wisconsin. In 2001, Whooping Crane chicks were released at Necedah as the initial action in a plan to restore an eastern migratory
population of that species. Karner Blue larvae feed exclusively on wild lupine, abundant in Necedah’s barrens habitat. Necedah staff will lead us on a guided tour.

We have rented a van for this trip, so you must register in advance. With limited space, call Mary to reserve your place as soon as possible. Bring with you: a sack lunch, $10 van fee, binoculars, and money for a supper stop on the way home.

Prairie Stewardship: Freeport Prairie

Monday, August 8, 2016
7 – 9 a.m.
Freeport Prairie
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Stewardship work day. Tools, gloves, water, snacks and training provided. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

The prairie is just south of the intersection of Meadows Dr. and Walnut Rd. on the south side of Freeport. Parking is off of Walnut Rd.

Perseids Campfire at Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Wednesday, August 10, 2016
7 p.m.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, Forreston, IL
Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

Perseids Campfire at Elkhorn Creek. We hope to catch the beginning of this annual meteor shower. Prairie walk at 7 p.m.; campfire at 8:00. S’mores and water will be provided. Bring a lawn chair and flashlight.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 6:30 p.m. The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. If weather is questionable, call Mary at 815-938-3204.

Field Trip: Sugar River Dairy and Scotch Hill Farm

Friday, August 12, 2016
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Carpool from Staples in Freeport at 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Richard Benning 815-865-5279

We will travel north of the border to visit two establishments in the local food movement. Our first stop will be Sugar River Dairy, located near Albany, Wisconsin. The yogurt produced at this dairy has won several awards at the World Cheese Championship. We will then travel the short distance to Scotch Hill Farm. This farm operates a CSA featuring certified organic vegetables, has heritage breeds of chickens, and makes handmilled goat milk soap.

After the tour, we will eat lunch at a local restaurant before our return home.

Conservation Conversations

Thursday, August 25, 2016
5:30 p.m.
Amigo's, 306 N Galena Ave, Freeport, IL
Conservation Conversations at Amigo’s in Freeport, 5:30 p.m.

“Talking About the Issues”

Sunday, August 28, 2016
2 – 4 p.m.
Leader: Laura and Doug Dufford, 815-541-8958

“Talking About the Issues” monthly discussion session, 2-4 p.m. at the home of Laura and Doug Dufford, 8957 Fitzsimmons Rd., Stockton, 815-541-8958.

For a copy of the first hour topic article call Laura. The second hour will be a discussion of whatever issues are brought forth. All are welcome.

Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 1:30 p.m. or call the Duffords for directions.