e-Notes From the Dells
August 2008
In this issue . . . . .
1. Phil and the Early Birds
2. He Walks. He Talks. He Sings. He’s Jim.
3. Under Construction
4. Fall stuff
5. Future Stewards Coming; Volunteers Needed
6. A Book is a Terrible Thing to Waste
7. Breakfast. Good!
1. Phil and the Early Birds
Phil Schawb is the conductor of this group and his job is to get you an opportunity to watch and hear the orchestra of fall birds. Some migrants are already here. American redstarts, black and white warblers and Canada warblers grace the list of early birds spotted at Severson Dells. And more are on the way.
So join Phil. Come hear the music of migration on Sat., Sept. 6, 8 a.m. on an easy morning hike at Severson Dells. It’s free. Call to RSVP — (815) 335-2915.
2. He Walks. He Talks. He Sings. He’s Jim.
He walks a lot (he just sent an e-mail saying he just finished a 450-mile hike). And his mom named him Jim. So, that’s why he’s called Walkin’ Jim Stoltz. But you could call him Talkin’ Jim or Singin’ Jim because he does that, too.
Just don’t miss him when strolls into Severson Dells on Sun., Sept., 21, for a 2 p.m. multimedia extravaganza that he calls "Forever Wild." He’ll tell about the 25,000 miles he’s trekked through America’s wilds in music, poetry and slides.
Free! Limited seating. Call to RSVP — (815) 335-2915.
3. Under Construction
You may have heard that the crumbling concrete patio near the gift store entrance was gonna get a fix. And perhaps you have heard that it presents an opportunity for you to help us connect people with nature.
Well, the time has come. The jackhammers and Bobcats have moved in, but there is still time for you to contribute to the project. Orders for personalized engraved bricks will be taken until Sept. 1.
Please buy an engraved brick on our new patio. Proceeds will benefit education programs at Severson Dells Nature Center.
Details are on our Website.
4. Fall Stuff
Programs. We’ve got your programs. Here’s a peek at the fall. Details will come next week in your
printed newsletter.
September 2008
06 - Guided Bird Hike, 8:00 am
21 - Walkin’ Jim Stoltz - "Forever Wild” 2:00 pm
October 2008
04 - Used Book Sale, 9:00 am
05 - at Emmanuel Lutheran: Loving Creation by Scott Russell Sanders, 6:00 potluck; 7:00 program
18 - Bird Hike at Rock Cut State Park, 8:00 am
21 - Coolest Turtles in Our Region, 7:00 pm (SAS)
November 2008
08 - Family Night Hike, 7:00 pm
22 - Winter Bird Feeding Workshop, 9:00 am
22 - Feeder Watching Basics, 10:45 am
Save the Date:
December 2008
13 - Luminary Lights, Refreshments and Song: Severson Dells Forest Preserve’s two-thirds of one mile hard surface trail lit up with hundreds of luminary candles, music in the building, 6:00 pm
5. Future Stewards Coming; Volunteers Needed
Teaching the next generation of Earth Stewards is a primary way Severson Dells Nature Center fulfills its mission of connecting people to nature.
We rely on education volunteers to help our staff deliver important lessons on nature. If you’re interested in helping children learn about the world they’ll one day inherit, we need you. Become an education volunteer. Don’t worry, we’ll train you so you can help raise the next generation of Earth Stewards.
Click here to see kids experience nature’s joy.
For more information, call Richard Benning at (815) 335-2915.
6. A Book is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Yeah, you got books. They’re in your basement. They’re dusty on the shelves. They’re doing no good in your basement.
It’s your job now to help them find a better life.
So bring them out to Severson Dells between now and Oct. 3. That’s when we’re accepting books for our annual book sale on Sat., Oct. 4.
Box ‘em up and bring them to the center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, during business hours — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Sat., 1-4:30 p.m. Sun.
You get a tax deduction. Someone else gets a chance to buy your books. And get a chance to buy somebody else’s books. We’ll get some moola to buy new books for our environmental library.
7. Breakfast. Good!
Breakfast sets the foundation for a healthy day. And it sets the health of the Severson Dells Education Foundation each year.
Every year we celebrate the great educational programs we offer by inviting people to a free breakfast. It’s our opportunity to share our message with the community, meet new friends and donors. 
These are pivotal times for environmental education. We need people of all ages to connect with nature so we can understand the importance of wild places and wild things. We want you to come and share an hour with us over breakfast. And we’d like you to bring friends.
There will be an “ask” during the program. How much people give is their business. We hope our presentation inspires everyone to support SDNC.
To find out how you can participate, please call Brian Leaf at (815) 335-2915 or send an email to brian@seversondells.org
