December 2006
Silent Lights: Luminary Walk, Refreshments and Song
Saturday, December 9, 6:00-9:00 pm
Stroll the two-third mile hard surfaced path at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as it is lit with hundreds of luminaria. Inside the Nature Center enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace and relax to music by local favorites Casey’s Fancy and Bruce Hecht. No fee to stroll the path. Donations appreciated for refreshments. Musical entertainment is free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells;” $3/person non-members, $9/family max. 815/335-2915
SEEDS (Students Exploring Earth’s Diversity)
Multiple dates, including December 16, 9:30 am-noon
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. We will get together once a month (during the school year) on a Saturday morning from 9:30-12:00. 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 $45. Non-member fee is $55. Ask about multiple sibling discount. Dates for 2006 are December 16. Tentative dates for 2007 are Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19. Space is limited. Call 815/335-2915 for more information or to reserve a spot. Hope we see you there.
Four Winds Center for Spiritual Ecology/
Severson Dells Nature Center
Winter Solstice Hike/Celebration
Thursday, December 21, 5:30-9:00 pm (Come for all or part)
On this shortest light day of the year, walk at the beautiful Rotary Forest Preserve over looking the scenic frozen Kishwaukee River. The rustic Rotary Cabin will be open all evening to welcome you to warm up by a fire. Four Winds Center for Spiritual Ecology will present a observance honoring the Earth and the solstice at 7:00 pm. Readings and thoughts are encouraged to share throughout the evening. No Fee. Reservations are a must. 815/335-2915.
Winter Earth Play Day
Wednesday, December 27, 9:30 am-12:00 noon
We want you to come out and enjoy the winter season with us. No need for snow boards or snowmobiles, just winter clothes and a kid’s heart for fun. This program is for all ages that enjoy a winter frolic. We’ll track animals, build snow caves and play LOTS of snow games; just for the fun of it! Oh, did I mention a fire and hot chocolate? No fee, but reservations are a must. 815/335-2915
Coyote Clan Lives! Hike Severson Dells Off the Trails
Thursday, December 28, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
After a two year hiatus the coyote howls again. This time he comes back for anyone that would like to travel in its tracks, ages 11 and older. We will do a spontaneous hike from Severson Dells to the Colman Dells exploring, poking and picking up the sense of adventure for all those willing to go for it. Hiking will be moderate/difficult and dress for the weather. We never know what we will find with the spirit of the coyote with us and if you don’t attend you will never know. No fee, call for reservations. 815/335-2915
January 2007
Moon Rise, Sunset Over Harlem Hills Prairie
Wednesday, January 3, 4:00-5:30 pm
What a beautiful time of the day to spend at Harlem Hills. We will be standing on the rolling, grassy hills in the space between the rising moon and setting sun. What do you mean, what if it is cloudy? We will still be there to take in the great prairie vistas and the magnificent Harlem Hills sky. Easy walking, unless there is lots of snow. Get out of the house and join us! Reservations are a must. 815/335-2915
Tracks, Scats and Facts
Saturday, January 6, 9:00-11:30 am
Join us for a morning of learning how different animals move and what kind of evidence they leave behind. Hopefully there will be snow on the ground to leave us stories of who was there and what they did. Even if there isn’t snow, we can still look anyway. The first half-hour is indoors and the rest of the program will be outside. Dress appropriately. Free to all. Please call for reservations. 815/335-2915
Nature’s Apprentice
Mondays and Wednesdays, January 8-March 14, 6:00-8:30 pm, Fee: $150
The Nature’s Apprentice program is a 45-hour course focusing on nature in northern Illinois. Instructor Keith Blackmore will help participants deepen their knowledge and interpretive skills of the region’s plants, animals and ecosystems. Sessions will be held at Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford. There will be three spring field trips to apply what participants learn in the classroom. For more, call Brian Leaf at 815/335-2915.
Winter Night Hike
Friday, January 19, 6:00-7:30 pm
Join SDNC staff naturalist on this family hike to listen for owls and other great winter night sounds. Walk through the shadows of trees and kick your way through drifts on this special night. Fee: Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells,” non-members: $2/individual or $3/family, call to reserve a spot. 815/335-2915
Coyote Clan Lives! Hike Sugar River Forest Preserve
Saturday, January 20, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
More of the great coyote trails and travels. Would you, could you, follow the canine’s tracks on the ridge of the Sugar River? Once again the Coyote Clan will gather to explore one of the most scenic places in northern Illinois in the middle of the winter. Enjoy the great hike and then fire in the beautiful shelterhouse at Riverview Shelterhouse. (Ages 11 and up) Call for meeting place. 815/335-2915
Dr. Pond Scum’s Winter Visit
Sunday, January 21, 1:30-2:45 pm
No matter what you’ve heard, Dr. Pond Scum did not fly south with the ducks, nor did he hole up with the frogs. He is alive and although moving slowly this winter, he is up to his old habits. We will find him down by the pond side sharing his thoughts about all this ice and cold and its impact on the pond critters. His warm personality will melt your hearts and quite possible the ice. No fee. Please call for reservations 815/335-2915
Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, January 27, 8:00-10:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as we begin the walk by identifying birds at the feeders. We then will walk outside with the hopes of seeing Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, Tree Sparrows, or something completely unexpected. Meet at the Nature Center. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. No fee. 815/335-2915
February 2007
Full Moon of the Groundhog
Friday, February 2, 4:00-6:30 pm
Join us at Rock Cut Sate Park at the boat landing area for a full moon groundhog night hike. Ever wonder what the groundhog does the evening after his morning shadow and media hype? Well, find out. We will gather and hike at the boat landing, cross to the other side of the lake to a cabin for a small fire and hot chocolate. Enjoy the moon, the lake (and a groundhog?) Hiking is moderate and dress for the weather. Please call for reservations. 815/335-2915
Coyote Clan Lives! Hike Rotary Forest Preserve
Saturday, February 10, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
It doesn’t surprise me that the coyote would lead us to this wonderful place for a hike. If you have never been there you won’t want to miss this walk and if have been there you still won’t want to miss it. Over-looking the Kishwaukee River, through some awesome forest and then end at the Rotary cabin. Promises to be a spectacular day. Hiking will be moderate (Ages 11 and up) Call for reservations. 815/335-2915
A Sweetheart of a Night with Bruce Hecht
Saturday, February 17, 6:00-10:00 pm
No, actually Bruce will not be your sweetheart (well maybe), but he will be performing “love songs and other stuff.” Surprise your Valentine this year with an invitation to stroll down the woodland trails at Severson Dells Forest Preserve! Your guide will be the gentle glow of luminaries at your feet and the stars in the sky. At 7:00 pm enjoy the great music of Bruce Hecht. During the evening there will be luscious desserts served and a few surprises. Fee: $4/Members “Friends of Severson Dells”, $7.50/non-member. To register please call before February 12: 815/335-2915
Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, February 24, 8:00-10:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as we begin the walk by identifying birds at the feeders. We then will walk outside with the hopes of seeing the numerous winter residents of Severson Dells. Meet at the Nature Center. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. No fee. 815/335-2915
Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter Program:
Night Hike/Owl Walk
Saturday, February 24, 6:00-7:30 pm, later for hot chocolate by the fire!
Don Miller, Naturalist for Severson Dells, will again lead our adventure, starting off the evening with a short presentation on owls and their very special calls. He will tell us that we have a chance of hearing Great Horned, Eastern Screech and Barred Owls as all three are found at Severson Dells Forest Preserve. This event will take place at Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, Illinois. The walk will be over at approximately 7:30 pm but all are invited to stay for hot chocolate and friendly conversation by the roaring fire in the Severson Dells Nature Center fireplace. Call Virginia Watson, 815/398-0138, giving your name, phone number and number attending, to be sure to be included this year.
March 2007
Spring Awakening Gathering
Saturday, March 17, 3:00-9:15 pm
At the “Pec Barn “ located within the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve. Enjoy the celebration of the coming spring season and have fun with the whole family. All Free (We would appreciate reservations.) 815-335-2915
[Special for all those basketball junkies, yes we will have TV with the NCAA games on in a corner.]
3-4:30 p.m.- Sugar Maple Hike. Staff from Severson Dells and Winnebago County Forest Preserve District will lead a walk and explain the how’s and why’s of sugar mapling. Help tap some trees and follow the path of the sap from tree to syrup. Stay for the potluck and enjoy some maple syrup on frozen custard from the Winnebago Culver’s. (We greatly appreciate their generosity.)
5-6:15 p.m. - Community Supper. Enjoy the hard work and great recipes of the folks from the region at this potluck dinner. Bring your own tableware and dish to pass and take in the feast. Severson Dells will provide lemonade and coffee for drinks as well as frozen custard with maple syrup.
6:30 p.m. - Witness a Prairie Fire. The prairie fire is one of the most exciting occurrences of the spring. If conditions are right, we will burn the restored prairie east of the Pec Barn. The prairie is burned to manage the prairie so that it remains in a quality state. You will want to view this incredible spectacle as flames reach toward the night sky. It promises to be one of those nights that will be etched into your mind for a long time.
8-9:15 p.m. – Music by Casey’s Fancy
Oh yeah. . . It is St. Patrick’s Day after all, and who better to have playing some foot stomping Irish tunes then Casey’s Fancy? A long time favorite of the gang at Severson Dells, they will pick you up where the prairie fire left off. Come out, sit back and enjoy
Back to previous page
