September 2006
Volunteer Training for Host/Hostess
Monday, September 25, 6:00 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 815/335-2915 to sign up for the training session.
Guided Bird Hike
Saturday, September 26, 7:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab as he leads a hike to look for late summer and early fall birds, such as warblers, grosbeaks, towhees, vireos, and bluebirds. 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. 815/335-2915 Severson Dells Nature Center
Gathering for Place-based Educators
Wednesday, September 27, 6:30 pm
An informal meeting (with refreshments) to discuss where folks are at and where we all would like to take the concept of place-based education in the region. A follow up meeting for all those that attended the conference, but open to all. Come share your projects and vision.
October 2006
Beauty and Awe of Nature Book Discussion
Tuesday, October 3, 6:30 pm
Come out to this casual evening of discussion about the books written by visiting authors of “Beauty and Awe of Nature”. (They will be doing readings and lectures at the event in October.) Selected essays will be provided ahead of time, but SD staff suggests reading their entire books. They are incredible! Please call to receive the essays or find out how to get discounted copies of their books. Please call before September 23. 815/335-2915
The Beauty and Awe of Nature
Thursday-Saturday, October 12-14, 6:30 pm
Click here for the full schedule of these incredible three days of activities.
Can You Canoe the Rock?
Saturday, October 21, 10:00 am-2:30 pm
Join Severson Dells staff on one of the last canoe trips of the season. We will canoe through the beautiful fall colors of the Rock River from Oregon, IL to Castle Rock State Park. This section of the Rock is suitable for all levels of paddlers. (A wind from the southwest can make it challenging however.) Canoes are available for rent as well as canoe instruction. Limited numbers may attend please call 815/335-2915 to reserve your spot.
Bird Hike at Rock Cut State Park
Saturday, October 21, 7:30 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 migrates and 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. 815/335-2915 Severson Dells Nature Center
November 2006
Family Night Hike
Friday, November 10, 7:00-8:30 pm
Join SD staff, 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. Fee: Free to “Friends of Severson Dells” $3.00 per family non-members
Winter Bird Feeding Workshop
Saturday, November 18, 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 815/335-2915
Feeder Watching Basics
Saturday, November 18, 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. 815/335-2915
