This Month: May 2013

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Friday, May 3, 2013

• Bird Walk, 8-11:00 a.m., Krape Park, Freeport.
  See details on April 3 Bird Walk entry. Meet in the parking lot by the dam. Leader: Laura Dufford (815-947-2720).

Sunday, May 5, 2013

• Birdathon, ,
  Birdathon is a fundraiser for our chapter and the money raised is used to support activities that protect bird wintering, migratory and nesting habitat and also local bird banding efforts. Each person participating funds sponsors to donate money for the number of species seen during the event. On May 5th, the birder will spend as much time as they wish looking for different species of birds. After the Birdathon, the participant collects the pledges and sends money to the coordinator. The event is fun and can be done by both beginner and experienced birders. If you are not interested in actually birding, you may participate by sponsoring a Birdathon birder. See the April/May newsletter for a 2013 Birdathon Pledge Form and more information and send it to Laura Dufford. Call Laura at 815-947-2720 if you have questions.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

• NIAS Monthly Program "CSA's In Your Neck of the Woods", 6:00 p.m. Potluck; 7:15 p.m. Program, Oakdale Nature Preserve Lodge Potluck
  Located 3 miles south of Freeport off of Baileyville Rd., our annual spring program Potluck features Andrea Hazzard of Hazzard Free Farm and CSA - a community farm growing grains, vegetables, herbs and more. The produce is available through a CSA, a farm stand and at many local restaurants. Hazzard Free Farm and CSA"s focus is on sustainability, quality, diversity and convenience. www.hazzardfreefarm.com/organic/
  Join us at 6:00 p.m. for the potluck. Bring a dish to pass and table service. Beverages will be provided. The program will begin at 7:15 p.m..

Thursday, May 9, 2013

• Parsnip Cut at the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 9-11 a.m., Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  Details same as April 27th Parsnip Cut entry on the website.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

• Kid's Nature Walk, 9-10:30 a.m., Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract of the Oakdale Nature Preserve (as described in the April 25 Bird Walk)
  Kids will look for irds and other neat stuff until 10:30 a.m. Leaders: Carol Redmore (815-721-3375) and Keith Blackmore (815-938-3204).

Monday, May 13, 2013

• Parsnip Cut at the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 9-11 a.m., Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  Details same as April 27th calendar entry.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

• NIAS Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., St. John United Church of Christ
  .

Thursday, May 16, 2013

• "Talking About the Issues", 7-9 p.m., At the home of Carol and Fred Redmore, 1643 Hilltop Place, Freeport (815-721-3375).
  Everyone is welcome at these informal discussions of various environmental issues. Directions: from HWY 26, turn east onto Young's Lane at the stoplight by Cub Foods. Before the block ends, turn south onto Hilltop Place. The Redmore home is the last place on the left before you get to the apartment complex.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

• NIAS First Annual Bird Festival, 8-11 a.m., Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  Join us for a fun, informative family-friendly morning as we explore the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve for the many migrating and resident birds found there. Participants may join bird tours or look on their own for our feathered friends. Tours will begin at 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Free "Illinois Birds" pocket guides will be offered at not charge while supplies last. We'll have a shady rest area with chairs, as well as a restroom, beverages and snacks. If the weather is questionable, call Blackmores at 815-938-3204. 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. We hope to see you there!.

Monday, May 20, 2013

• Bird Walk, 8-11:00 a.m., Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, about 2 miles south of Leaf River.
  Park in the mowed area just off of Leaf River Rd., by the site i.d. sign. Leaders: Keith and Mary Blackmore (815-938-3204). See April 3rd Bird Walk entry for more details.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

• Work Session - Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 6-8 a.m., Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  Goat's 'N Roses Section; Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204. Tools, gloves, and water provided. We'll be pulling Garlic Mustard and lopping brush. Carpool from the Staples lot in Freeport at 5:30. Optional breakfast afterwards. For directions, see April 27 entry.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

• Conservation Committee Meeting, 5:30 -7:30 p.m., Amigos Restaurant, 306 N. Galena Avenue in downtown Freeport.
  Join us for fine food and a stimulating discussion.

Friday, May 24, 2013

• Almost-A-Full Moon Campfire, 7:00 p.m. leisurely walk; 8:00 p.m. campfire, Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  At 7 p.m. we'll take a leisurely stroll to observe blooming plants and migrating birds. The campfire will start at 8 p.m. 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. For directions, see April 27. If the weather is questionable, call Blackmores at 815-938-3204.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

• Stream Study, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., Mogle Center
  When one thinks of the diversity of life in a small midwestern stream, fish, frogs and turtles usually come to mind. However there are many small life forms of life that go unnoticed because they are hidden in the rocks and mud on the bottom. In this program, we will be waking right in, literally, scooping muck and lifting rocks to see what lurks. Wear old shoes that can get wet and provide toe protection. Old sneakers work fine; sandals do not protect your toes. Audubon Society guides will lead you in this adventurous and educational activity. We will meet in the Mogle Center. Call Richard Benning (815-865-5279) to register or for more information.
  
  This event was accidentally left off of the newsletter; please tell everyone you know about this wonderful event!.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

• Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m., Harry and Dorothy espenscheid Forest Preserve, northeast of Freeport.
  Carpool as noted in the April 3rd entry at 7:30 a.m. or follow these directions: from the junction of HWY 20 Bypass and HWY 75, take HWY 75 about 5 miles to Cedarville Rd., turn right (east) on Cedarville Rd. and drive 4.2 miles to Eggert Rd., turn left (north) on Eggert and go 1.8 miles to Farm School Rd., turn right (east) and go .3 miles to the preserve (on north side of the road). Leader Richard Benning (815-865-5279).

Friday, May 31, 2013

• Prairie Work Session, 6-8 a.m., Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
  See June 4 Work Session entry for details on work days. Upper Planting. Carpool 5:30 a.m. Leader: Keith Blackmore, 815-938-3204.