December 2007
Silent Lights: Luminary Walk, Refreshments and Song
Saturday, December 8, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Stroll the 2/3 of one mile hard-surfaced trail
at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as it is lit up with hundreds of luminaries. Inside the Nature Center enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (be kind to the earth and bring your own mug) by the fireplace and music by local favorites:
Casey’s Fancy: 6:30-9:00 pm: in the classroom;
Bruce Hecht: 6:30-9:00 pm: museum room.
No fee to stroll the path. Musical entertainment is FREE to members of “Friends of Severson Dells” (if you’re not a current member, you may join that night!); $3/person non-members, $9/family max. 1-815-335-2915
Winter Solstice Celebration
Friday, December 21, 6:00-8:00 pm
Four Winds Center for Spiritual Ecology, co-sponsored by Severson Dells, will lead a celebration of the winter solstice. We have been journeying into the dark for the past 6 months, culminating in this the longest night of year. It is here we gather the fierce wisdom to move once again into the light, igniting our passion for this world.
We will begin the night with a social time and light refreshments at 6:00 pm. The celebration will begin at 6:30 for all ages and interests.
You may bring drums, rattles, musical instruments, readings or thoughts as you wish. No Fee. Please make reservations at Severson Dells: 1-815-335-2915.
Our House is Your House
Tuesday through Friday, December 26-28
Not necessarily an open house, but a house that is open. From 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, each day we invite you (people of all ages) to come out to Severson Dells and just hang out! We will have hot chocolate for the kids and coffee available for the adults, plus snacks as well. Inside enjoy the fire or have some fun putting together one of our large nature floor puzzles. Or maybe take a good book and curl up by the window and keep one eye on the birds at the feeders. We will have the puppets out for play and several nature crafts to idle away the time. Oh yeah…the woods and prairie will be waiting for you to frolic in them. Three days that you can go OFF trail, ski if you wish, or build some snow caves. We bet you can even talk one of the staff to have some snow fun with you. No fee only lots of unstructured fun.
January 2008
Nature’s Apprentice
Mid-January to Mid-March
Due to the popularity of the Nature’s Apprentice program that was offered last year, we plan to repeat it. Keith Blackmore, retired professor from Highland Community College, and leader in numerous nature oriented organizations will instruct. This 45-hour course will begin in mid January and conclude in mid-March. It will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights. (Start date yet to be determined.) The course will explore the geology, geography, plants, animals, habitat and ecosystems of northern Illinois, and the relationships we humans have with nature. Coursework will include lectures, labs and fieldwork.
There are many people passionate about the natural world. Many are lifelong learners devoted continually increasing their knowledge so they can share it with others. This course will give them the tools and background necessary to interpret the natural world for others.
Course fees are $150. Class size will be limited, call for more information or to reserve a spot for you. 1-815-335-2915
Tracking and Reading the Landscape
Saturday, January 5, 10:00-11:30 am
This program, given by Richard Benning, Severson Dells staff educator, will be a holistic approach to interpreting animal tracks and sign. We will use several of our senses to provoke thought on who, what, when, where, why and how. Participants may be encouraged to pretend they are the animal and to move and think like that animal. Program geared for the whole family. Fee: Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells,” non-members: $2/individual or $3/family, call to reserve a spot. Call 1-815-335-2915 to confirm.
A Walk In the Woods
Thursday, January 10, 6:00-7:30 pm
Celebrate Aldo Leopold’s birthday (Jan. 11) with a walk at the Dells. Leopold was a tremendous naturalist/ teacher/environmentalist and during the 1930’s spent some time here at Severson Dells conducting deer research. We will take a short hike around the hard-surfaced loop, and then enjoy a fireside chat with hot chocolate. Bring a Leopold quote or reading to share by the fire. Free
Winter Night Hike
Friday, January 18, 6:00-7:30 pm
Join SDNC staff naturalist on this family hike to listen for owls and other great winter night sounds. Walk through the shadows of trees and kick your way through drifts on this special night. Fee: Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells,” non-members: $2/individual or $3/family, call to reserve a spot. Call 1-815-335-2915 to confirm.
How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take to Change a Community?
Energy Conservation at Home and in Your Neighborhood
Saturday, January 19, 1:00-3:30 pm
Using less energy through improved efficiency and lifestyle changes is crucial to the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and to slow global climate change. Tried-and-true conservation methods as well as new creative ideas are necessary to make the needed impact.
These sessions are designed to present a variety of traditional conservation practices that individuals can easily adopt, as well as to discuss ways that those practices can be more widely promoted and utilized. Call 1-815-335-2915 to register. Limit 20. No fee.
Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, January 26, 8:00-10:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as we begin the walk by identifying birds at the feeders. We then will walk outside with the hopes of seeing Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, Tree Sparrows, or something completely unexpected. Meet at the Nature Center. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. No fee. Call 1-815-335-2915 to confirm.
February 2008
12th Annual Food For Thought Workshop
Saturday, February 9: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Keynote speaker, Jack Kloppenberg, along with a kitchen demonstration and several concurrent sessions will highlight this day of thought provoking discussion on how food choices affect us, the environment and local economies. Program is sponsored by the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society and will be held at the Oakdale Nature Preserve which is located three miles south of Freeport. Continental breakfast and lunch, prepared with local and/or organic ingredients, will be served. Registration is imperative. The fee is $20 per person. Contact Laura Dufford, email dldufford@dishmail.net, to register. Please put “Food For Thought” in the subject line of your email. You may call Richard Benning at Severson Dells (1-815-335-2915) for more information.
Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, February 16, 8:00-10:30 am
Join volunteer naturalist Phil Schwab at Severson Dells Forest Preserve as we begin the walk by identifying birds at the feeders. We then will walk outside with the hopes of seeing the numerous winter residents of Severson Dells. Meet at the Nature Center. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. No fee. Call 1-815-335-2915 to confirm.
“There Are Bugs You Can Hug” Beneficial Insects - The Predators
Saturday, February 16, 1:30-3:00 pm
Presented by Don Hajek, a Master Gardener from the University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County Office with a special interest in insects. Not all insects are harmful or destructive. There is a balance in nature that controls insect populations. Many beneficial insects including the predators play important roles in that balance.
This presentation will help the audience learn what predatory insects are helpful. Also, what their target populations are, how to recognize them, how to attract them to your gardens and properties and how to avoid destroying them while “nuking” the “bad guys” — often they are only found in small numbers. No fee.
Walk When the Moon Is Almost Full
Friday, February 22, 6:00-7:30 pm (at Pecatonica River Forest Preserve)
Join SDNC staff naturalist on this family hike to listen for owls and other great winter night sounds. Walk through the shadows of trees and kick your way through drifts on this special night on the way to the overlook at the oxbow lake. Fee: Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells,” non-members: $2/individual or $3/family; call to reserve a spot. Call 1-815-335-2915 to confirm.
March 2008
Spring Awakening Gathering
Saturday, March 15, starting at 3:00 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.
Sugar Maple Hike: Join Severson Dells and Winnebago County Forest Preserve District staff to learn more about the how’s and why’s of sugar mapling. No fee.
Community Supper: Enjoy the hard work and great recipes of the folks from the region at this pot luck dinner.
Witness a Prairie Fire: 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. No fee.
Old-fashioned Barn Dance: Come out and enjoy this fun way to welcome the coming spring. We all will be having such a great time it will seem like the barn is dancing. The whole family is welcome to come and participate or watch. One needs not to worry about dancing abilities, only dancing attitude. Music will be provided by Chirps Smith and his band with dance calling done by Dot Kent. Fee: $5/individual; $15/max. for family.
Watch for more details in the Spring Issue of “Notes From the Dells.”
Birding Trip to the Crane Migration on the Platte River
Saturday-Wednesday, March 15-19
Severson Dells is offering a 5-day trip to one of the most amazing bird migrations in North American, Kearney, Nebraska. Participation will be limited to nine people, so register soon to reserve your spot!
Along the Platte River in Nebraska every spring a phenomenal concentration of Sandhill Cranes occur. We will view this massive happening in the evening hours as the cranes come in at night and then again when they fill the skies as they leave to feed in the morning hours. There are a great number of acres of Wetlands Protection Areas (WPA) that are resting spots for numerous waterfowl. A tremendous variety of ducks as well as canada, white-fronted, and snow geese will be seen. (Always a possible whooping crane sighting.)
We will visit the “green” visitor center at Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary that is operated by the National Audubon Society. Reservations have been made to spend an evening in the blinds located there to get an up close and personal look at the birds. There will be some down time so for those that are interested can visit the Cabella’s store located in Kearney.
Most observations will be made somewhat close to vehicles so walking is minimal.
Keith and Mary Blackmore, experienced birders and field trip leaders will be the leaders. They both have been active in many nature related organizations in the northern Illinois region for many years.
Travel will be by rented van.
Please call register: 1-815-335-2915 A deposit of $50 is requested upon registration.
