Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, May 19, 8:00-10:00 a.m. Join volunteer staff naturalist Phil Schwab on this tour of Severson Dells Forest Preserve. Prime time for warblers, migration should be at its peak. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Nature Center. No fee. 1-815-335-2915.
The Birds of “Hoo Haven”
Friday, June 8, 7:00 p.m.
Free thanks to a grant from Exelon.
“Hoo Haven” which offers educational presentations with live birds of prey for groups and organizations will be coming to Severson Dells Nature Center. They will bring their goodwill ambassadors, visual aids and interactive displays for a fascinating and entertaining presentation. Located in Durand, IL their mission is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing, sick, injured and orphaned, North American Wildlife. And to educating individuals to the importance of the conservation of Mother Earth, to maintain the land, clean and beautiful for all. For more information on “Hoo Haven” go to their website: www.hoohaven.org.
Come out and enjoy this great family program that will leave you inspired, entertained and educated. It will open your eyes to an awesome new world. Call 1-815-335-2915 for details or to register.
Dr. Pond Scum
Saturday, June 16, 10:00 a.m.
Program is directed for kids ages 6-11, but others may attend. Foolishness, fun and of course, education is what the Doctor has on order, so you won’t want to miss it. Local area science teacher Gary Pasch mucks and yucks it up as his lovable and laughable character, Dr. Pond Scum. Meet at the Nature Center. Free to all, kids must be accompanied by adults. Please call 1-815-335-2915 to reserve a spot for your family.
Dells After Dark
Family Camping Craze
Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24
Set-up: June 23, 1:00 p.m.
Take down: June 24, 11:00 a.m.
We are hosting a two-day campingfest on the grounds of Severson Dells Forest Preserve. (SDEF does not normally allow camping so this is a very special weekend.) Families of all types are invited to come out and pitch a tent (places for trailers too) and enjoy numerous activities promoting being outdoors, camping and community. Activities will be led by Severson Dells staff and special presenters on topics such as; flint and steel fire making, owl walks, prairie hikes, story-telling around the campfire, old-school whiffle ball games, horse shoes, badminton games, bird programs, camping techniques seminars, Dutch oven cooking, star gazing and many other happenings, plus time to relax with your family. This intergenerational program will be fun for all ages, interest, and capabilities. Fee $25 for entire family. Call 1-815-335-2915 for more information and to register.
Staycation
Friday, July 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
No big plans for the holiday weekend? Join SDNC staff for a morning of activities for all ages. Depending on the weather, we could take a hike, poke around the pond or play some games. Just fun. No fee, but reservations required. 815-335-2915.
Snakes Alive
Thursday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand is Snakes Alive! with snake guy, Tom Kessenich. Join this Madison, Wisconsin herpetologist for this program designed to give the audience an inside view of the world of snakes. Tom’s interest started as soon as he could crawl out of the house and his passion for snakes is obvious. His presentation will help you understand snakes more completely and remove any fears if you have them. In addition to learning about the individual snakes, you’ll get an up-close look at the true beauty of snakes. A fascinating experience for all ages.
Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells”; Non-members: $5/family; $3/individuals. Call: 1-815-335-2915 to reserve your seat!
Christine Swanberg: The Place In-between
Tuesday, July 31
6:30- 9:00 p.m.
Call for meeting place and reservations 1-815-335-2915
The “place in-between” is on the prairie ridge when the sun is setting and the moon is rising. What a special night this will be as we first tour the magnificent Wilson Prairie. Wilson Prairie is a privately own prairie that is remnant prairie that harbors at least nine species of grasses and over 50 species of forbs. Then as the sun it setting and the moon is rising over the high ridge, poet Christine Swanberg will read selections from her new book, “Alleluia Tree.” This will be a special night for all of us, don’t miss it!
Leopold Education Project
Presented by Curt Carter
Saturday, August 4
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
At Severson Dells Nature Center
Fee: $25
There is no greater way to teach others about the outdoors than to use Aldo Leopold’s classic book A Sand County Almanac as a foundation. The Leopold Education Project is a curriculum enhancement program that guides learning through direct observation of the natural world. Illinois teachers can earn seven CPDUs. This program is also geared toward scout and other youth group leaders as well. It will include some new activities that were not covered in previous workshops. Curt Carter, Director of the “Land for Learning Institute” located in Southern Illinois will be the instructor. Curt’s understanding and passion for Leopold and the importance of his message is unsurpassed. Participants will receive a curriculum guide, a copy of A Sand County Almanac, a set of task cards and a CD of new activities. Participants must pre-register by July 31. Attend the “Concert in the Woods” for free! Please call Severson Dells 1-815-335-2915.
Dinner at the Dells: Concert in the Woods
University of Illinois Extension Openfields Local Foods Dinner Series
At Severson Dells Nature Center
Concert sponsored by Pheasants Forever Winnebago County
Saturday, August 4, Starts at 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy what promises to be an amazing evening featuring local and foraged foods and the beauty of Severson Dells Forest Preserve and music by Curt Carter. Sit on the screened porch of the Severson Dells Nature Center and feast on a multi-course dinner, prepared by chef, Michelle Princer, of Toni’s of Winnebago, as the sun sets west of the butterfly garden.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with appetizers, and at 6:00 p.m. a dinner featuring local produce with vegetarian options will be served. The menu is topped off with dessert. Water, coffee and tea are complimentary; beer and wine will also be available.
8:00-9:30 p.m. Curt Carter will perform for us on this great night of community. He is a well-known Southern Illinois musician who has performed at numerous venues including live radio, television, coffeehouses, and festivals. He presents a lively performance that includes humorous tales and original readings and songs. You will not want to miss this show!! Just coming to the concert? $5 (Bring your own refreshments and byob.)
10:00 p.m. – all night long. Come and camp (leave the kids at home, call them if you need to) great stories and times shared around the fire, a night hike, and howling at the moon!! $10 for concert and camping. Bring your own refreshments and byob! Give us a call 1-815-335-2915.
For dinner reservations:
University of Illinois Extension Openfields Local Foods Dinner Series
8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, IL 61102
Cost is $50 per person. (Includes concert too!)
Reservations prior to the dinner are required. Call U of I Extension at 1-815-986-4357 or visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw to reserve your seat or for more information.
Dr. Pond Scum
Saturday, August 18, 10:00 a.m.
Program is directed for kids ages 6-11, but others may attend. Foolishness, fun and of course, education is what the Doctor has on order, so you won’t want to miss it. Local area science teacher Gary Pasch mucks and yucks it up as his lovable and laughable character, Dr. Pond Scum. Meet at the Nature Center. Free to all, kids must be accompanied by adults. Please call 1-815-335-2915 to reserve a spot for your family.