September 2007
Guided Bird Hike
Saturday, September 1, 8:00 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab as he leads a hike to look for late summer and early fall migrants. Severson Dells Forest Preserve is a great place to spot numerous bird species. The hike will be easy in difficulty and will begin at the shelterhouse. No fee. 1-815-335-2915
The Mysteries and Miracles of Nature
Wednesday, September 12 through Saturday, September 15
Several programs are offered each day. Detailed information here…
Used Book Sale
Saturday, September 15, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
This annual event takes place during The Mysteries and Miracles of Nature programs at the Dells.
S.E.E.D.S.
begins today, Saturday, September 22, 9:30 am-noon
(Student Exploring Earth’s Diversity) is a group for kids ages 6-10 (1st through 5th grade). It’s FUN and educational. Northern Illinois is rich in beautiful, diverse natural areas. Discover some of these remarkable places right in our own backyard. Beginning in September, we will get together once a month (during the school year) on a Saturday morning from 9:30-noon. Each month will be a new adventure involving activities and exploring both inside and out. We’ll learn about ponds, prairies, creeks, bugs, birds, mammals, all kinds of things. The yearly fee for members of “Friends of Severson Dells” is $50. Non-member fee is $60. Ask about multiple sibling discount. Dates for the 2007-2008 school year are: 9/22, 10/27, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19, 2/16, 3/15, 4/19, 5/24. Space is limited. Call 1-815-335-2915 for more information and to reserve a spot.
Volunteer Training for Host/Hostess
Tuesday, September 25, 6:00-7:00 pm
Interested in becoming a Severson Dells volunteer? We need hosts/hostesses to staff the nature center on weekends when regular staff is not here. If you would like to learn more about becoming a host/hostess or know someone else who would, please give us a call at 1-815-335-2915 for more information or to sign up for the training session.
October 2007
Bird Hike at Rock Cut State Park
Saturday, October 20, 8:00 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab at Rock Cut State Park as he leads a hike to look for fall birds. We will be hoping for some great migrants as well as a host of water birds. The hike will be easy in difficulty and will begin at the Lion’s Shelterhouse. No fee. 1-815-335-2915
S.E.E.D.S.
Saturday, October 27, 9:30 am-noon
(Student Exploring Earth’s Diversity) is a group for kids ages 6-10 (1st through 5th grade). It’s FUN and educational. Northern Illinois is rich in beautiful, diverse natural areas. S.E.E.D.S. is an ongoing monthly activity. More info here…
November 2007
How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take to Change a Community?
Energy Conservation at Home and in Your Neighborhood
Wednesdays, November 7, 14 and Saturday, November 17, 6:30-8:30 pm
Using less energy through improved efficiency and lifestyle changes is crucial to the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and to slow global climate change. Tried-and-true conservation methods as well as new creative ideas are necessary to make the needed impact.
These sessions are designed to present a variety of traditional conservation practices that individuals can easily adopt, as well as to discuss ways that those practices can be more widely promoted and utilized.
The first two sessions will be at Severson Dells. The last session will be a field trip to the home of session leaders Mary and Keith Blackmore to view energy conservation practices that they have adopted. Fee: $10 to members of “Friends of Severson Dells;” $15 per nonmember. Call 1-815-335-2915 to register. Limit 20.
Family Night Hike
Friday, November 9, 7:00-8:30 pm
Join Severson Dells naturalist Don Miller on this family night hike to listen for owls and other night sounds. Listen to see if we can discover what goes bump in the night. All ages welcome. Free to members of Friends of Severson Dells;” $3 per family non-members. Call 1-815-335-2915 to register.
Winter Bird Feeding Workshop
Saturday, November 17, 9:00-10:30 am
Bill and Pat Hoople, owners of Wayne’s Feed Store on Auburn Street in Rockford, will be instructing this annual birdfeeding workshop. The workshop will benefit beginner as well as long time feeders. Registration is required, call 1-815-335-2915
Feeder Watching Basics
Saturday, November 17, 10:45-11:45 am
What are those feathered critters visiting your feeders? Severson Dells staff educator Richard Benning will cover ways to learn about those birds. Selecting bird identification guides and binoculars will also be discussed. Call for reservations. 1-815-335-2915
S.E.E.D.S.
Saturday, November 17, 9:30 am-noon
(Student Exploring Earth’s Diversity) is a group for kids ages 6-10 (1st through 5th grade). It’s FUN and educational. Northern Illinois is rich in beautiful, diverse natural areas. S.E.E.D.S. is an ongoing monthly activity. More info is here…
December 2007
Saturday, December 8 is the date for the 2007 Luminary Walk, Refreshments, and Song at Severson Dells Nature Center! Details will be in the next newsletter, but mark your calendars now please!
S.E.E.D.S.
continues Saturday, December 15, 9:30 am-noon
(Student Exploring Earth’s Diversity) is a group for kids ages 6-10 (1st through 5th grade). It’s FUN and educational. Northern Illinois is rich in beautiful, diverse natural areas. S.E.E.D.S. is an ongoing monthly activity. More info is here…
Planning for 2008
Nature’s Apprentice Course to be Offered Again, Spring 2008
Due to the popularity of the Nature’s Apprentice program that was offered last year, we plan to repeat it. Keith Blackmore, retired professor from Highland Community College, and leader in numerous nature oriented organizations will instruct. This 45-hour course will begin in mid January and conclude in mid-March. It will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights. (Start date yet to be determined.) The course will explore the geology, geography, plants, animals, habitat and ecosystems of northern Illinois, and the relationships we humans have with nature. Coursework will include lectures, labs and fieldwork.
There are many people passionate about the natural world. Many are lifelong learners devoted continually increasing their knowledge so they can share it with others. This course will give them the tools and background necessary to interpret the natural world for others.
Course fees are $150.00. Class size will be limited, call for more information or to reserve a spot for you.1-815-335-2915
Spring Birding Trip to the Crane Migration on the Platte River
It is not too early to think about where you would like to be next spring. (We have just the spot for you!) Severson Dells is offering a 5-day trip to one of the most amazing bird migrations in North American, Kearney, Nebraska, from March 15-19, 2008.
Participation will be limited to nine people, so register early to reserve your spot!
Along the Platte River in Nebraska every spring a phenomenal concentration of Sandhill Cranes occur. We will view this massive happening in the evening hours as the cranes come in at night and then again when they fill the skies as they leave to feed in the morning hours. There are a great number of acres of Wetlands Protection Areas (WPA) that are resting spots for numerous waterfowl. A tremendous variety of ducks as well as canada, white-fronted, and snow geese will be seen. (Always a possible whooping crane sighting.)
We will visit the “green” visitor center at Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary that is operated by the National Audubon Society. Reservations have been made to spend an evening in the blinds located there to get an up close and personal look at the birds. There will be some down time so for those that are interested can visit the Cabella’s Store located in Kearney.
Most observations will be made somewhat close to vehicles so walking is minimal.
Keith and Mary Blackmore, experienced birders and field trip leaders will be the leaders. They both have been active in many nature related organizations in the northern Illinois region for many years.
Please call to put your name on a list of folks that are interested to learn more. Final cost of trip will be finalized in October. 1-815-335-2915
