Chapters in Illinois

Note:  The program on Vegetation Management on IDOT roadways previously scheduled for this date has been cancelled.  We hope to reschedule it for another time.

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This program will also be livestreamed.  Join the livestream HERE.   At the request of the presenter this program will not be recorded.

Hear how bison have helped shape tallgrass prairies and learn how they are being restored to Illinois natural areas.  Listen to their stories of connection to us; both historical and contemporary.  Celebrate their inspiration for art, music, and literature as you enjoy viewing beautiful images of our local bison.

Presenter Bio:

Cindy Crosby graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2014 with her master's degree in natural resources, with a focus on environmental interpretation. For more than a decade as a prairie steward and volunteer, Cindy helped manage and coordinate the work of other volunteers on the fourth oldest restored prairie in North America.  Cindy also trains dragonfly monitors and coordinates dragonfly programs at two sites in Illinois. She served as interpretation coordinator for The Morton Arboretum, where she developed print and digital communications, interpretive panels, and interpretive exhibits seen by more than one million visitors each year. Her past educational background includes former certifications as a Master Gardener, Interpretive Guide and Interpretive Trainer. Today, Cindy teaches natural history classes, writing classes, and coaches writers and naturalists to improve their skills. Cindy serves on the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands Science Grants committee, which helps fund research to support the tallgrass prairie. She was Artist-in-Residence for a wilderness national park and later served as a juror for a national park artist-in-residence program for three years.

Cindy will be selling copies of some of her books at this meeting.  Titles, cost, and acceptable payment methods are listed below.

The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction ($20)

Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit (with Thomas Dean) (List $25, price for your group $20)

Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History (List $25, price for your group $20)

Waiting for Morning ($15)

By Willoway Brook ($15)

 Cindy will accept check, cash, Venmo, or Visa/ Mastercard. Check or cash preferred. All prices include tax. 

Join us for a June bird walk at Lakewood Forest Preserve! As the largest forest preserve in the district, Lakewood contains various habitats that are home to many breeding bird species. Lake County Audubon Society’s Matt Tobin will be leading the walk. Please bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. More specific details about the walk and parking information can be found through the registration link. 

Register for Lakewood Forest Preserve Bird Walk

Join us for a unique nature exploration at Ferson Creek Fen with Patrick Bochenek, Ecological Restoration Supervisor with the St. Charles Park District.  

Ferson Creek is a premiere wetland, featuring sedge meadows, fen habitat, upland prairies and floodplain woodlands along the Fox River in St. Charles. 

On Route 31, about ¾ mile north of Route 64 on the east side of the road.  

Please join us for a West Cook Wild Ones nature walk and picnic and bring your kids and grandchildren to enjoy time together in nature!

Bring your own lunch and/or snacks and a refillable water bottle. We will provide compostable napkins, but please bring any other utensils you may need.

We will meet in a classroom at Trailside Nature Center for a brief introduction to the nature preservation activities and learning opportunities conducted at Thatcher Woods. Signs will indicate where to go. Then Cook County Master Naturalists who regularly volunteer at Thatcher Woods will lead us on walks to experience early summer in the forest preserve. Feel free to bring binoculars, cameras, field guides and similar items that may add to your experience.

Each Master Naturalist will lead a group of 8-10 participants, divided according to interests. For example, families may want to spend more time in the children-focused areas, while others may prefer a slower pace and more scientific information. You may leave lunches and other personal belongings in the room while we explore the outdoors.

About noon, we will meet at a designated picnic area to enjoy lunch together. Afterward, you are free to continue to explore the nature center and forest preserve on your own. For more information on the area: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/thatcher-woods/#trails

A little drizzle will not interrupt our plans (just be prepared with a rain jacket), but in the event of thunderstorm and/or or heavy rain, we will have to reschedule and will notify you on June 12.

Because distance often keeps members from attending monthly programs, we're offering a relaxed new way to connect.  Join us for casual conversation about native plants, gardens, birds, and pollinators - just good company and shared ideas.  Let's learn from one another - no program.  Just conversation. 

Members cover their own food and drinks.