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.]
Sugar Maple Hike — 3:00-4:30 pm
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.)
Community Supper — 5:00-6:15 pm
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.
Witness a Prairie Fire — 6:30 pm
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.
Music by Casey’s Fancy — 8:00-9:15 pm
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
Spring Equinox Skunk Cabbage Stroll
Wednesday, March 21, 6:00-7:30 pm
This is the annual hike to get to the Severson Dells F.P. skunk cabbage patch, one of our first signs that spring is here. (At this point we will apologize to all of those who are missing the prehike Dutch oven cooking that annually happens too. The timing of the equinox doesn’t allow for it to take place this year.) Don’t fret, the hike will be good as always and Chefs Richard, Phil and Dick promise to show up at some other program. No fee, moderate hiking.
Education Volunteer Training
Tuesday, March 27, 9:30 am-12:00 noon
Designed for those who wish to help with school field trips. Both new and seasoned veteran education volunteers are encouraged to attend this session. We will go through tips and tricks of working with school groups and demonstrate some of the activities that volunteers are often asked to lead. Call 815/335-2915.
Volunteer Training for Host/Hostess
Tuesday, March 27, 6:00-7:00 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 for more information or to sign up for the training session.
Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs?
Thursday, March 29, 9:30-11:30 am
Is there a prince or princess living at your house? You are cordially invited to the merry kingdom of Severson Dells for a rather splendid morning. Activities are based on Carmela LaVigna Coyle’s book, Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs? If your royal kindergartner or first-grader would like to join us for a grand time, please call 815/335-2915. No fee, but reservations required by Wednesday, March 28.
April 2007
“Step It Up” National Day of Climate Action
Saturday, April 14, 10:30-Noon
A day dedicated to education of what we as individuals can do to take action against climate change. Come find out what you can do! Also sign up for the beginning of the Northwest Earth Institute’s discussion group on climate change held at Severson Dells. Please call 815/335-2915 or watch this site for further information on the day’s activities and the discussion group.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, April 21, 8:00-10:00 am
Join volunteer staff naturalist Phil Schwab on this tour of Severson Dells Forest Preserve looking for early migrating birds. We hope to see Brown Thrashers, Eastern Bluebirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers and much more. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. No fee. 815/335-2915
Bluebells and Blueberry Muffin Walk
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
We will meet at the parking lot at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve and hike back to the acres of bluebells of Oak Ridge along the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River. Once seated among the bells of blue we will munch on the blueberry muffins. This is one of the many great places protected by the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District that you should see. The hike will be moderate to difficult because of distance and possible wet conditions. Reservations are a must! 815/335-2915
May 2007
Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, May 12, 7:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab as he leads this early morning hike to look for resident as well as migratory birds found at Severson Dells Forest Preserve. This is a great time of day to see numerous species of birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the shelterhouse. No fee. Call 815/335-2915 to register.
Mother’s Day at Severson Dells: Critter Day
Sunday, May 13, FREE to ALL (Please call to guarantee a seat. 815/335-2915)
We have been getting a good reputation about our Mother’s Day event and this year is no exception. Once again sponsored in the name of Dr. Carl Hartman, Critter Day is an annual program to introduce folks to some of nature’s finest animals in order to give us a better understanding of their importance. Dr. Hartman was a scientific pioneer and his investigations into the nature and habitats of the opossum have not been surpassed. He held a central position among the workers in the field of reproductive physiology during the first half of the 20th century.
Snakes Alive! — 1:30-2:30 pm
One of our fave’s is back with a new program and you won’t want to miss him! Snake guy, Tom Kessenich, is back with all his friends. Get a close up view of the beauty, strength, and gracefulness of his snakes. His program will help us all understand a little bit better about the important role snakes have in nature. (Check out Tom’s website)
Tony’s Creepy Crawler Zoo — 3:15-4:15 pm
Tony Gustin is known across the countryside for his traveling bug show. His “Creepy Crawly Zoo” is a program that uses insects as a tool. It is educational and very entertaining. At heart, though, the “Creepy Crawly Zoo” is in the business of empowering youth. No student has to go to the rainforest to see the amazing creatures of the “Creepy Crawly Zoo”. They just have to go into their own back yards. Sometimes not even that far! He will take an educational subject that to some might be boring and turn it into an event that is inspirational. He will show us how to replace fear and malice for what we don’t understand with curiosity and respect. (Check out his website)
Call Severson Dells Nature Center at 815/335-2915 for reservations as well as for more information.
Celebrate the Birthday of Rachel Carson
Wednesday, May 23, 6:30-8:00 pm
Although her actual birthday will be May 27, we plan to celebrate a little early. Rachel Carson was best known for her book “Silent Spring,” but she also wrote three other books. Carson’s biographer, Linda Lear, has noted, “Those four books are enough to have changed how humankind regards the living world and the future of life on this Earth.” Come out and share her readings and rediscover that “sense of wonder” that she wrote so beautifully about. The program to take place on pond deck. Please call for reservations. 815/335-2915
