From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/ET19A1pFf6iydW5Q9.
Zoom Presentation

From West Cook Wild Ones: 2024 will be a unique year as the 17-year periodical cicada will be emerging throughout northern Illinois. This is a short, but very interesting entomological event worth enjoying. In this presentation we will discuss the fascinating biology and feeding habits of the periodical cicada, egg laying preferences, susceptible woody plant species, and potential for damage to young trees and shrubs, and natural pruning of mature trees. Practical management methods will be presented for both members of the green industry and homeowners.

Get Tickets: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/the-periodical-cicada-coming-to-a-neighborhood-near-you

From Oak Park Public Library:

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History”. Listen to stories of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.”

Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages and learn about a wide variety of community sustainability groups and opportunities right here in Oak Park.

Get inspired to do some spring cleaning at home, and we’ll help keep the things you no longer need out of the landfill! Enjoy green giveaways and learn about other ways to get involved with volunteering in the Forest Preserves as well as how to live more sustainably. T-shirt giveaway for the first 50 participants.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/GcRGRXxaoJYTeW6n9.

Zoom Presentation

From Oak Park Public Library:

Plant Swaps are for everyone of all ages! This event encourages plant lovers to come together and trade pest- free plants of all kinds, which can include: Houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, seedlings, starters, succulents, air plants, wildflowers, annual or perennial, etc. No money is exchanged and it is a great way for beginners and expert gardeners to clean out or add variety to their collections. Drop in any time between 1pm - 3pm to give some plants and get some plants. 

From the Nature, Culture, and Human Health Network:

• Learn about Rep. Sonya Harper's leadership with the Outdoor Rx Act

• Deepen your understanding of IDEAS* Nature Spaces with regional Models of Excellence and how to bring nature into communities

• Discuss nature-based workforce development and volunteer certifications

• Bird walk and sunrise nature meditation at 7:30 a.m.

• $35 registration fee, with scholarships at checkout

• Register Here

From Oak Park Public Library:

The documentary The March of the Penguins will be the feature for the theme of water. (80 minutes) (2005)

In the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins to find the perfect mate and start a family. This courtship will begin with a long journey—a journey that will take them hundreds of miles across the continent by foot, one by one in a single file. They will endure freezing temperatures, in brittle, icy winds and through deep, treacherous waters. They will risk starvation and attack by dangerous predators, under the harshest conditions on earth, all to find true love.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/february-films-earth-love-four-elements-water-march-penguins-63027

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn about the many benefits to you and to the environment of gardening using native plants in a Conservation@Home Zoom presentation. Get your questions ready.

Registration Required: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn the basics of bird identification, including the lingo birders use to describe birds and how to identify birds using size and shape.

Registration Required at https://babb2024-3.eventbrite.com/

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails" with Cindy Crosby, author, educator and speaker extraordinaire on Sunday February 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).

Hear the story of how Illinois' original garden—the tallgrass prairie—has been shaped by bison. Learn how these charismatic megafauna are being restored to Illinois prairies. Listen to tales of their connections—both historical and contemporary—to some Native American tribes. Then, delight in discovering the ways bison have been portrayed in music, literature, art and popular culture as you view beautiful images of these fascinating creatures.

This presentation will not be recorded. Please register only if you can attend the live Zoom session on Sunday, February 18.

Speaker Bio:

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History” (Northwestern University Press, 2020). Her recent full-color book of photographs and essays is “Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit” with co-author Thomas Dean (2019). She is also the author of “The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction” (Northwestern University Press, 2017).

Cindy earned her master’s degree in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is a Master Gardener, a steward for the Schulenberg Prairie at The Morton Arboretum and at Nachusa Grasslands, a NatureConservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, IL. When she's not working in her garden, she speaks and teaches on natural history topics in the Chicago region. Cindy blogs each week at Tuesdays in the Tallgrass on Wordpress, and you can find her classes and events at www.cindycrosby.com.

Register here: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/bison-tales-and-tallgrass-trails-08c7d2154cc9

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Discover how to make your yard and home bird friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.

Registration Required: Register at https://babb2024-2.eventbrite.com

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join other adults for a lively discussion of this fascinating bestselling book. This evening program will be held at our partner’s facility, the Forest Park Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Register: https://fppl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=20988

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

This program is great for beginners who want to learn about building a birding kit, techniques and finding resources.

Registration Required: Register at https://babb2024-1.eventbrite.com/

From Oak Park Library:

Naturalist Leslie Shad will share ways to enjoy your garden and help nature tuck in for the winter. Topics covered will include: native plants with winter aesthetic interest, winter food for birds, and learning who is overwintering in your garden (especially insects). Presentatlon will be followed by a Q & A.

Leslie Shad is focused on a sustainable future for people and wild things. She founded and leads Natural Habitat Evanston, and serves on the board of Citizens’ Greener Evanston. She formerly served on boards including National Wildlife Federation. Natural Habitat Evanston is an all-volunteer effort to encourage habitat for nature and people, and to change the culture of lawns. Personally, Leslie and her husband are working to restore forested wetlands in Northwest Indiana.

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/virtual-winter-garden-how-overwinter-joy-and-meaning-58436

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people and, most importantly, birds are minimally impacted during your trip. Zoom presentation.

Registration Required: Register at https://babbethics.eventbrite.com/

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.

Registration Required: Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-better-birder-tips-for-learning-to-identify-bird-sounds-tickets-629237776127.

If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Registration Required: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us at Trailside to discuss “The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery. For adults,

Registration Required: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us for an artist talk and panel discussion to learn more about  The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) and Lindsay's Olson's work as their first-ever artist in residence! Presentation to be followed by a Q&A session and closing reception in the Main Library Gallery.

See the exhibit October 10-November 11 
All around the world, wetlands support a tremendous diversity of plants and wildlife. These ecosystems also improve water quality, reduce erosion and flood damage, and even sequester carbon dioxide. But they continue to be degraded and drained at an alarming rate. Restoring these valuable, often-overlooked ecosystems is the work of The Wetlands Initiative (TWI). As their first artist in residence, artist Lindsay Olson draws inspiration from the funeral regalia of ancient Egypt, specifically, the fresh floral collars buried in the tomb of King Tutankhamun that have survived for thousands of years. These funeral collars were symbols of life death and rebirth. The metaphor of a collar also can be seen as a broken circle. Humans have forever interrupted the natural processes of wetlands. Wetland restoration is a way to reverse some of the damage caused and return these parcels of land into beautiful, functional wetlands again. Using various textile processes, Olson has created art that helps explain to the public the science, process, benefits, and joys of restored wetlands. 

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/artist-talk-and-panel-discussion-our-once-and-future-wetlands-art-ecology-and-engineering

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "The Nighttime Marathon of Birds" with Edward Warden, urban naturalist and President of Chicago Ornithological Society.

Daytime is easily when we notice birds the most. From the dawn chorus to spectacular colors that shine in the sunlight, it's easy to associate birds with the daylight hours. But during migration season, nighttime is one of the most critical periods of the day when it comes to survival. Join us for a program where we explore the phenomenon of nighttime migration, what we know about it, why it matters, and how we can help conserve birds even while we sleep.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nighttime-marathon-of-birds-tickets-716108639217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Speaker Bio

Edward is a lifelong Chicago resident and urban naturalist. He works across the Chicago region to foster community around and appreciation for the urban environment through the use of stewardship, social media, and interpretive techniques. He is currently the Stewardship Program Manager at the Chicago Park District and serves as President of the Chicago Ornithological Society.

Chicago Ornithological Society is an all volunteer run organization at the forefront of all things birds in the second city since 1912. From expert guided trips to cutting edge science to avenues for action, we bring together bird enthusiasts of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds to share our love of birds and further their conservation. You can follow COS on Facebook or Instagram

From Equiticity:

Ether Element: A Realization of Infinite Potential

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-better-birder-birding-and-technology-tickets-629232650797

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with nature-based activities and bike ride. Divvy bikes provided; limited supply.

Contact 312-415-2970.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family-friendly bike. Loaner bikes available.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call 773-758-8899.

From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:

The Earth needs a makeover and these young filmmakers will provide their tips on the best ways to improve the health of the planet. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the Global Contest Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.

• Film details forthcoming

• Doors open 11 a.m. for check-in/registration

• Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Program ends 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Free popcorn

• Free beverage

Register in person: https://oneearthyfcawardsinperson.eventbrite.com

Register online: https://oneearthyfcawardsvirtual.eventbrite.com

Since 2013, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest has awarded over 100 prizes to short environmental films from youth age 25 down to 3rd grade. A jury of 31 environmental and film professionals selected the final, top films from among 403 submissions around the world in this first year as a global, rather than national contest. Each film is 1 to 8 minutes long and ranges from animation to live action to documentary.

Thank you to our illustrious jury: Deborah Adelman, Felice Bassuk, Amy Brinkman, Kathleen Brennan, Laurie Casey, Hussain Currimbhoy, Lisa Daleiden-Brugman, Steve Cohen, Layla Dade, Mary Ford, Sophia Fowler, Monica Fox, Paula Froehle, Bill Gee, Jim Gill, Kathryn Hempel, Patrick Thomas Keen, Adrija Kundu, Angelo Lavel, William Kim Lyons, Jennifer Maiotti, Jonathan Moeller, Julie Moller, Elaine Petkovsek, James Rohn, Vicky Solano, Jessie Wahlers, Karen Weigert, Risé Sanders-Weir, Marc Wellin, and Gary Wilson.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family friendly bike ride. Loaner bikes available.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Equiticity:

Air Element: A Grand Rising of Power

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Oak Park Library:

Discover how growing native plants can help mitigate climate change and prevent biodiversity loss and become more familiar with Climate Ready Oak Park's 30x30 biodiversity objectives. Learn how to right-size your pollinator garden and other tips and tricks for good garden management and enhancements that you can put to use right away! After the talk, enjoy some casual conversation and fun (plus raffle!) in the Community Sensory Garden.

About the presenter:
Presented by Adrian Ayres Fisher, who has been enthusiastically gardening with native plants for over 30 years. As a board member of West Cook Wild Ones, she educates about and advocates for native-plant gardening, natural area restoration, and biodiversity. A former sustainability coordinator at a community college, she now serves as volunteer site steward of National Grove Forest Preserve in North Riverside, Illinois, where she manages volunteer restoration projects.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/how-garden-fearlessly-native-plants

Photo by Alex Rogals.