Join Illinois’ most pre-eminent bird man as he recalls the history of the Illinois Audubon Society. Hear stories that illuminate how bird watching grew from a hobby to a scientific discipline, creating a cadre of citizen scientists, encouraging the next generation of conservationists, and protecting habitat for future generations.

Storyteller and Author Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays Robert Ridgway, telling the story of his journey across the western wilderness in 1868, when he was still a teenager, his life-long work at the Smithsonian Institution, and his friends who founded the Chicago Academy of Science. Ridgway was a student of Spencer Baird, who travelled with John James Audubon, who knew Charles Darwin. Ridgway’s research transformed ornithology, evolution and systematics. 

No registration required.

For more info: https://www.allertonpubliclibrary.org/2024-11-12-robert-ridgway-when-amateur-bird-watching-became-a-rigorous-science-2

The University of Illinois will be hosting Owl Nights at Homer Lake Forest Preserve (Oct 29) and Kennekuck County Park (Nov 12). Students in a field-based course on Northern Saw-whet Owl ecology will be presenting data on the migration and behavior of owls in central Illinois. These events will feature indoor information stations and kids’ activities, plus outdoor demonstrations of the tools used to capture and track owls. Drop in anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on October 29 to learn about owl life history, ecology, behavior, and learn what you can do to help conserve these unique animals. We may even get the chance to see some live owls up-close! FREE. All Ages. No registration required. For more info: 217-896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Discover the fascinating world of local owls through expert eyes with the Illinois Raptor Center. Presenter Jacques Nuzzo’s unique blend of humor and education makes learning about owls enjoyable.

This event takes place indoors and will include a sit-down presentation and live demonstrations. For the presentation, please arrive before it begins at 11:00 am, as late arrivals may disrupt the presentation.

For more info visit https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/owls-of-illinois-1 or contact jwick@ccfpd.org;

The University of Illinois will be hosting Owl Nights at Homer Lake Forest Preserve (Oct 29) and Kennekuck County Park (Nov 12). Students in a field-based course on Northern Saw-whet Owl ecology will be presenting data on the migration and behavior of owls in central Illinois. These events will feature indoor information stations and kids’ activities, plus outdoor demonstrations of the tools used to capture and track owls. Drop in anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on October 29 to learn about owl life history, ecology, behavior, and learn what you can do to help conserve these unique animals. We may even get the chance to see some live owls up-close! FREE. All Ages. No registration required. For more info: 217-896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Join the staff of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District for a volunteer seed collection event at Homer Lake Forest Preserve.

Help collect native seed that will be used in future restorations around the preserves. All tools provided.

Long pants and closed-toe shoes required. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions: ewilliams@ccfpd.org

Local bat biologists and educators invite you to this first annual event! There will be something for all ages and levels of bat enthusiasts, including exhibitors, speakers, kids’ activities, and information on bat conservation.

Daytime activities will be held at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Evening activities will be held at Crystal Lake Park, with a central location at the Lake House from 5:30 to 8:30 PM and will include looking and listening for bats at dusk!

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-central-illinois-bat-festival

Join the Urbana Park District and staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on hikes through district natural areas.

Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of each preserve. Content for these informal programs is based on seasonality and group interests.

No registration required.

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-connecting-you-to-nature-hikes---summer-2024/

Join the Urbana Park District and staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on hikes through district natural areas.

Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of each preserve. Content for these informal programs is based on seasonality and group interests.

No registration required.

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-connecting-you-to-nature-hikes---summer-2024/

Join the Urbana Park District and staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on hikes through district natural areas.

Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of each preserve. Content for these informal programs is based on seasonality and group interests.

No registration required.

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-connecting-you-to-nature-hikes---summer-2024/

A new book, Meadowbrook: A History by CCAS Vice President Roger Digges, tells the story of how the Urbana Park District turned a farm into an iconic park that provides a unique blend of nature, art, recreation, and learning.

Join this walking tour for ages 14+, led by Roger Digges, to witness firsthand Meadowbrook Park’s rich history. Meet at the Meadowbrook Park Garden Pavilion (Race Street entrance) at 2pm, and the tour will depart from there. The walk will cover approximately two miles along accessible paved paths.

Learn more about the birds that live in this region with avian biologists from the University of Illinois. They will capture and band live birds with mist-nets, and talk about unique traits of each species as well as the importance of bird banding for conservation. Rain backup date: May 18. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more info: https://ccfpd.org/events/details/world-migratory-bird-day-mist-netting-demo

This Native Plant Festival and Sale aims to provide the resources for people to establish their own pollinator gardens. Environment-based organizations will be present to discuss how attendees can shape their impact on the environment. There will be workshops about plant photography and biodiversity, native plants available for purchase, and more.

For more info visit:

• https://allevents.in/champaign/native-plantfestival-and-sale/200026212412003

• https://gwendolynhappstude.wixsite.com/nativeplantfestival

Show some love for our home planet by celebrating Earth Day as you enjoy a springtime stroll through Crystal Lake Park. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations by local community groups!

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-earth-day-for-everyone---2024

Come hear nationally known speaker and birder Tiffany Kersten at 7:30 PM Monday, May 8 in the Allerton Music Barn. Her talk will be part of an Elevating Women Birders event that begins at 4 PM and will include a bird banding demonstration and discussion with Aerin Tedesco on her record bird-spotting Champaign County Big Year.

There will also an optional bird hike available at 8:30 AM Tuesday, May 9 for those who register.

For details and to register, visit: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/elevating-women-birders-with-tiffany-kersten/

Please help the birds that use our creeks as their home by signing up to volunteer with the Boneyard Creek Community Day on April 22!

When registering, consider selecting the Anita Purves - Busey Woods/Crystal Lake Area location.

For details or to sign up, visit: http://www.boneyardcreek.org/index.html#register

The deadline to register online is April 17.

The Land Conservation Foundation is hosting the family-friendly annual Mudpuppy Festival to help spread the word about the fascinating foot-long mudpuppy salamander and its habitat, and CCAS will be there with a booth all about local birds!

Learn more: https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/mudpuppy-festival

Rain date: November 15

The University of Illinois will be hosting the 2022 Owl Night at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake Forest Preserve. Students will be presenting data from an ongoing research project on the migration and behavior of owls in central Illinois. This research project, which also includes a field experience course, involves capturing and tracking Northern Saw-whet Owls.

We invite you to join us to learn about owl life history, ecology, and behavior, and to see some owls up-close! Learn what you can do to help conserve these unique species.

This event is FREE and recommended for ages 5 and up. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be canceled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Learn more at the event page on Facebook.

Big Days are a 24-hour opportunity to celebrate birds near and far. Last October, more than 32,000 people from 195 countries submitted 78,000 checklists with eBird, demonstrating the power of birds to bring people together.

Wherever you are on 8 October, take a few minutes to join the world of birding on October Big Day. Participate from anywhere—even home! By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.

To learn more and get involved, visit https://ebird.org/news/october-big-day-2022

Our friends at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District are celebrating International Migratory Bird Day with presentations about birds and bird walks. Stop by the Interpretive Center at Homer Lake Forest Preserve anytime during program hours to learn more about the birds that migrate through our region during this time of year.

Learn more at the event page on the CCFPD website.

The Chapter Big Day is a competition between participating Chapters and Affiliates of the Illinois Audubon Society for the most species observed between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on May 14, 2022 anywhere within the borders of Illinois! All participants are required to pre-register.

See the event website for details.

Discover how you can make a positive impact on planet Earth as you enjoy a springtime stroll through Meadowbrook Park. There will be live music and art displays, activities and demonstrations by local community groups, a bicycle check-up station, and more! Rain date: Sunday, April 24.

For more information, visit: https://fb.me/e/1If9faKHq