Paddling With Morrall River Films
Friday, February 17, 6:30 p.m.
Mark Morrall is a paddler and filmmaker with three innovative video guide books to his credit. He’s also a paddling trip leader, canoe builder, canoeing instructor, and an accomplished wilderness tripping enthusiast.
Mark, along with his wife Merri, logs well over 800 miles a year in their canoes on a wide range of waterways. Their lust for adventure has taken them throughout North America, but they still consider Wisconsin and Northern Illinois as the center of the paddling universe.
When the idea of writing river guide books came up Mark chose a different, more contemporary approach. He noticed there was something missing in typical paper guide books, a visual perspective. Taking this thought a step farther; if a picture’s worth a thousand words than video must be worth millions. Out of this Morrall River Films was born.
For the Morralls, paddling rivers is much more than a hobby or pastime, it has become a lifestyle. Mark and Merri plan to continue providing the paddling community with informative and entertaining films.
Free! Call 1-815-335-2915 for reservations.
Antarctica
Sunday, February 19, 1:30 p.m.
Antarctica – The Ultimate Adventure! Antarctica is a dream destination for most that venture there, and it is sometimes known as the ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’. It is the southernmost continent on the planet, and it is the stuff of mystery and legend. There is no way for tourists to fly to Antarctica, and ship departures are the only route to this remote region of the world. The tourist season is November-March (summer in Antarctica), and ninety percent of the trips originate from the city of Ushuaia, South America.
Gary Gullett will give an overview of the trip, and include some insights about travel and photography in the region. The history, proximity to wildlife, and even the perils of travel today make this polar region a very unique destination.
Gary Gullett founded Chicago Photo Safaris with the idea of combining photography, adventure, and education. Chicago Photo Safaris now conducts adventure safaris in every continent and has become one of the leading providers of digital photography classes, workshops, and tours in the nation. For more information about the company, or any of the adventures, go to the website at www.ChicagoPhotoSafaris.com
Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells.” Non-members: $3/person, $9/family max. Call 1-815-335-2915 for reservations.
Mount St. Helens
Sunday, March 4, 4:00 p.m. In August 2008 Rockfordian Tom Walsh hiked to the 8363-foot summit of Mount St. Helens. There were incredible views of the crater below and of Spirit Lake, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier in the distance. Even Mt. Hood was visible far to the south. Tom returned to Mount St. Helens in July 2011 and was a member of a small group with a special permit allowing them to hike through the north breach of the mountain right into the crater, for amazing up-close views of the lava domes which have grown there and the glacier that has formed around them. Come hear the stories and see the images. Free! Call 1-815-335-2915 for reservations.
Spring Celebration, Saturday, March 10
At the “Pec Barn” located within the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve;entrance at 7260 Judd Road, Pecatonica.
Enjoy the celebration of the coming spring season and have fun with the whole family.
3:00-4:30 p.m. – Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance. (Door prize chances with every dance you do.) 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. Join Linda Halley line dance teacher extraordinaire as she and some friends take us through some easy steps to become the next “dancing with the stars” contestants. (maybe???) Guaranteed to be lots of fun and a great time. Linda teaches dance at the Roscoe Methodist Church and Betty’s Western Wear.
4:45-5:45 p.m. – Community Supper ~ FREE! 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 (while it lasts.) Thank you to Culver’s of Winnebago for providing the frozen custard. Please call if you plan to attend so that we can have plenty for all. 1-815-335-2915.
5:45 pm – Witness a Prairie Fire ~ FREE! The prairie fire is one of the most exciting occurrences of the spring. If conditions are right (call 1-815-335-2915 to make sure) we will burn the restored prairie east of the Pec Barn. The prairie is burned so that it remains in a quality state. As the sun is setting, view this incredible spectacle as flames reach high into the evening sky. It promises to be one of those nights that will be etched into your mind for a long time.
6:45 – Dollar Dance With New SDNC Staff Person. Bring you dollar bills, and come dance with the newest staff person of Severson Dells Nature Center. You get 30 seconds of time to maybe suggest programs, step on his or her toes, to sing loudly in their ears, or tell them how lucky they are to be part of this GREAT place! Whatever happens, it will be fun for all. (Call and make your song suggestions now.)
7:00 p.m. – Music by Tom Mac Group. After a few years hiatus due to Tom’s involvement with the DuPage Opera Theatre, the Tom Mac Group is getting back into the saddle, and Severson Dells Nature Center is pleased to have booked this eclectic band of musicians once again. The performance at the Spring Celebration will be heavy on the warmth and sunshine from the land just south of Florida, where the group will concentrate on the infectious rhythms of the Cuban sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club. Other pieces to be performed are those composed by Jimmy Buffet, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. Donations will be accepted / appreciated at the door. 1-815-335-2915.
Skunk Cabbage/Spring Hike and Dessert
Wednesday, March 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Celebrate spring with a hike to the skunk cabbage found at Severson Dells. It should be out of its winter slumber for all of us to see. When we return to the Center, Dutch oven chefs Phil and Dick will have some wonderful desserts for us to try. Severson Dells will provide ice cream and you are to bring a topping of your choice. What a great way to greet the spring season. Please call to register. 1-815-335-2915.
Photographing Wildflowers with a Digital Camera
Saturday, April 14, 9:30-11:00 a.m.This class will help you capture the beauty of our precious native wildflowers with your digital camera. You will be able to go out and start taking better pictures right after the class. The principles that will be taught can also be applied to everyday photography. Some of the topics covered will include:
- Shutter speed and aperture control
- The basics of exposure
- The basics of composition
As an added bonus, bring your camera for a hands-on demonstration as time allows following the class. We will go outdoors, weather permitting, with the instructor where you can practice the techniques you learned. Bring your camera and instruction manual.
Tim Lewis has extensive experience in the field of photography and will show you how to get stunning photographs of wildflowers with a digital camera. Tim is a past president of the local Rockford Shutter and Lens Club, past president of the local chapter of Wild Ones – Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, and is the current national Wild Ones president. Free to members of “Friends of Severson Dells”; $3/non-members. Reservations are a must! 1-815-335-2915.
Frog/Toad Survey of WCFPD
At Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. We’ll meet at Pecatonica River Forest Preserve shelterhouse parking lot and hop down to the “barn.” Inside we’ll discuss the different types of frogs and toads species found in northern Illinois. We will listen to their calls and explain the need to conduct surveys.
We’ll walk down to the oxbow lake (easy 1 mile walk, there and back) and listen and document what frogs/toads we are found. After surveying at PRFP will carpool to Pecatonica Wetlands and other WCFPD properties in the western part of the County and survey there. We’ll end by talking about how you can help by surveying other properties and reporting back your information. For ages 8 and up, please call with reservations 1-815-335-2915
Monitoring Raptors on the Washington Coast
Friday, April 20, 7:00 p.m.
Presented by Dan Varland
Severson Dells Nature Center
Sponsored by The David and Neva Burdick Memorial Fund
and The Varland Family Trust Washington’s coastal beaches host a diversity of raptors during migration and winter, including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Northern Harriers and Gyrfalcons. Since 1995, Dan has been surveying raptor abundance and distribution on three coastal beaches in southwest Washington. Surveys involve the capture and banding of falcons, with a focus on the Peregrine Falcon. In this presentation, Dan will report on the relative abundance and diversity of the raptors of the coastal beaches and describe survey methods and marking techniques. He will share his findings from more than 15 years of research on Peregrine Falcons on the Washington coast.
Dan was born and raised in Rockford. He is now the Executive Director of Coastal Raptors, a non-profit organization focusing on research, education and conservation programs for raptors in coastal environments (www.coastalraptors.org). Dan’s research on Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and other raptors along Washington’s coast dates to 1995. A leading expert on the application of visual markers to identify raptors, Dan is senior author of Marking Techniques, a chapter in the 2007 book, Raptor Research and Management Techniques. Working in cooperation with environmental organizations and agencies, in 2011 Dan initiated a new, multi-year study to examine avian health and disease on the Pacific Northwest coast.
Free but, please call 1-815-335-2915 for reservations.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, April 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m. 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. 1-815-335-2915.
Rock Valley College – Annual Community Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Carpool, take a bus or a shuttle, walk or ride your bike to the “2012 Community Earth Day” celebration at the Rock Valley College, Physical Education Center. Come and celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day by paying homage to the wonders of nature and honoring the planet by preserving the environment and it’s natural resources. There will be a variety of activities that makes caring for the planet fun for all ages. Be challenged by dynamic speakers and inspired by informative and fun workshops. Have the whole family join in on the interactive children’s activities. Get to know our locally grown and organic sources as we work toward bringing food closer to our plates. View new, innovative products and eco-exhibitors. There will be games, music, live animals, plants for sale, food, drinks and other, unique, items to purchase. For more information contact Jacki Minnahan at RVC 1-815-921-4482. For a complete schedule of events, go to the Rock Valley College Facebook page or http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/
Live Bat Encounter – Critter Day
Sunday, May 13, 3:00 p.m.
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.
During the Live Bat Encounter learn about bats from around the world up-close and personal! Rob Mies, TV personality and Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, speaks about the benefits of bats, why we need to conserve them, and what you can do to help these unique mammals.
Step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their benefits, habitats, and nocturnal strategies. Come meet a local bat from North America and hear its high-pitched sound with a “bat detector.” You will also meet a Straw-colored fruit bat from Africa, and an Asian. The finale is the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox Bat from Malaysia. This beautiful bat has nearly a 6-foot wingspan!
Rob Mies is a conservation biologist, bat expert, and author. He has appeared on many television shows including The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Martha Stewart. Rob is the co-author of the first field guide to the bats of the United States and Canada, Stokes Beginners Guide to Bats. His research includes work with the endangered Indiana Bat of the United States, endangered Rodrigues Fruit Bat in the Indian Ocean, and the threatened Spectacled Flying Fox Bat in Australia.
The underlying message of the presentation is about the unique wildlife biodiversity around the world and the importance of protecting it from extinction. Bats are used as a way to interest, excite, and motivate the audience to learn more, take action in their backyard, and work globally to safeguard the earth’s natural world.
This program is FREE to members of “Friends of Severson Dells.” Non-memebers are welcome to attend as well for the low price of $5/person, with a maximum of $15/family. Please call to reserve a seat (seating is limited): 1-815-335-2915.
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.