The Citizen Newsletter: 2016 January-April

Transcription

INSIDE THIS EDITION
Volume 34, Number 1
Forest Preserve News.....................1–7, 16
Calendar of Events............................... 8–9
Event Locations.................................... 8–9
Event Descriptions...........................10–14
Volunteer Information........................... 15
Forest Preserve District of Will County
January-April 2016
Ribbon Cutting Held for DuPage River Trail Extensions
Ever since the Forest Preserve District’s 249-acre
Whalon Lake opened in 2008, people have been
looking for ways to travel north and south from the
preserve to other recreational sites.
But it wasn’t easy. There was no designated trail
extending south of Whalon Lake’s 1.61-mile loop
trail, only an unofficial dirt trail that had a steep
hill. Bicyclists and pedestrians had to clamber down
the hill and hold onto a chain link fence to get from
Whalon Lake to the Bolingbrook Park District’s
Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm.
The same was true for preserve users looking for
a way to bike, walk or run north to Greene Valley
Preserve in DuPage County or to enter Whalon Lake
from nearby subdivisions. Only a grassy unofficial
trail existed.
As of October, that’s all changed. The Forest
Preserve District – working in conjunction with the
Bolingbrook Park District – constructed two new
segments of the DuPage River Trail leading north and
south from Whalon Lake’s loop trail.
The southern segment creates a path from Whalon
Lake to the Trout Farm. The new segment includes
paved trail sections and two boardwalks that link to a
wooden bridge over the DuPage River that was built
in 1991.
The paved northern trail segment stretches from
Whalon Lake to Royce Road at Paxon Drive and
includes a crosswalk, a safety island and flashing
lights. Paxon Drive has an existing bicycle lane
that connects to Greene Valley Forest Preserve in
DuPage County.
The new trail extensions, although short, greatly
improve pedestrian and bicycle access to an extensive
trail system in northern Illinois.
A ribbon cutting held on October 20 celebrated
the opening of the north and south trail extensions.
Officials from the Forest Preserve District and the
Bolingbrook Park District attended the event to mark
example of this partnership. The Forest Preserve
District of Will County provided funding to assist with
the preservation of open space at James Boan Woods
and the construction of Hidden Oaks Nature Center.”
Also at the ribbon cutting were DuPage River Trail
users who welcomed the new extensions.
Peter Turula, 74, of Downers Grove, rides his bike
south from his home all the way to Romeoville and
even as far as Morris, a 100-mile round trip. He said
the trail extensions make it much easier to cross the
DuPage River.
“It joins the two trails systems,” he said. “Last year
there was a bridge that (Naperville) put in at 95th
Street and Kings Road. But it takes you four miles out
of the way.”
Turula said he’s been cycling all of his life.
“It’s good exercise. And it’s kind of fun to see
things, especially along the Centennial Trail. There‘s
an exciting new chapter in trail connectivity and
a lot of wildlife, and you can see deer, snakes, herons
governmental collaboration.
and egrets.”
“Now that the work has been completed, walkers,
Lorie Payne and Holly Skowronski, both of
runners and bicyclists can travel north, east and
Naperville, also were out on their bikes during the
south from Whalon Lake to the Waterfall Glen
ribbon cutting. The two women bike the DuPage River
Forest Preserve trail system in Darien, the Veterans
Trail five to seven days a week.
Memorial/Centennial Trail in Will and Cook counties
“But we didn’t come down here (to the Trout
and the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, which
Farm) because we couldn’t get down here on our
travels south through Will County and west to Grundy bikes,” Payne said. “Now it’s awesome. It’s something
and LaSalle counties,” said Forest Preserve Board
different and a change of pace from our circles around
President Suzanne Hart.
Whalon Lake.”
Hart also thanked Bolingbrook Park District
Skowronski also likes the change of terrain.
officials for contributing $110,600 to the $456,000
“There are lots of different trails on both sides and
project after a $150,000 state grant was suspended
little inclines,” she said. “It’s pretty. I’ve been waiting
earlier in the year.
all year for this.”
“Bolingbrook Park District and the Forest Preserve
The project also included the installation of
District of Will County have a long history of
outcropping stone to prevent erosion along the
working together to improve the quality of life for
shoreline between the fishing wall and the pier at the
the residents of Bolingbrook and Will County,” said
Whalon Lake preserve’s 80-acre lake. n
Park District Board Vice President Sue Vastalo. “The
Hidden Oaks Conservation Area is an excellent
Forest Preserve District’s Executive
Director Retires in January
Marcella “Marcy” DeMauro was on her way to becoming a geologist
when one summer internship changed the course of her career.
DeMauro said she switched her major from geology to biology after
she became “enthralled” with natural ecosystems while working as an
intern at Gensburg-Markham Prairie in Markham, Illinois.
The Chicago native was particularly intrigued to learn how all across
Illinois, there were slivers of native prairie, wetland and forest that had
survived European settlement. These remnants of the original Illinois
landscape were located in forgotten places along railroad tracks, in
cemeteries or in areas that were too wet or steep to farm or develop.
Her fascination with that first prairie led DeMauro to dedicate her career to protecting these precious
pockets of land. She said she learned “that through careful planning and management, these natural areas and
the native species they support could be restored and even thrive.” DeMauro took that knowledge and training
and she applied it to a career with the Forest Preserve District that is now coming to an end.
DeMauro will retire in late January after 30 years with the Forest Preserve District and eight years serving as
its executive director.
“I truly believe I have been part of something that has contributed to making Will County a better place to
live, grow and recreate,” she said. “When I began working for the Forest Preserve District, we owned just over
6,000 acres; now it is close to 22,000 acres!”
After working as an intern with the District from 1983 to 1985, DeMauro began her full-time career as a
resource manager in 1986. She eventually worked her way up to superintendent of Planning and Development
and director of Planning and Operations before being promoted to the top spot in 2007.
During her years as executive director, the Forest Preserve District grew by almost 3,400 acres; won 27
national, state, regional and local awards; received $14.4 million in grants; achieved the highest farm license
Continued on page 7
ReconnectWithNature.org
Switch Your
Subscription to Digital
for a Chance to Win
The Forest Preserve District would like
to thank those subscribers who have so far
voluntarily agreed to switch from a printed
edition of The Citizen to a digital version. To
encourage more of our readers to make the
switch, the District will be holding a series
of drawings, randomly choosing the names
of lucky digital subscribers to win a prize
each week!
Subscribers whose names are selected will
receive an ultra power bank, a battery backup
which charges smartphones, MP3 players
and more.
Already signed up for the digital newsletter?
Then you’re automatically included in the
drawings too.
The drawings will be held while supplies
last so be sure to sign up soon for a chance to
win! Subscribers can transfer to the digital
version now by filling out a short form online
at ReconnectWithNature.org or by calling
Continued on page 3
1
Willy’s
Leave
No Child
Inside
Initiative
Wilderness
Childhood is changing fast in an ever-changing world. With so many cool gadgets, video games and other electronic entertainment,
children today have plenty of motivation to stay inside and stay sitting down.
The Chicago Wilderness Leave No Child Inside initiative was created to encourage healthy outdoor experiences and to promote
the importance of interaction with nature throughout childhood. The Forest Preserve District of Will County supports the initiative by
providing plentiful access to natural areas and by hosting outdoor programs year-round. The fun activities and information on this page
also support the initiative by helping to spread the joy and benefits of playing outside with today’s youth.
Please share this page with your children or other youngsters in your life to provide them an opportunity to learn about the natural
world around them and to be inspired to spend more time outside. n
Getting Ready for Winter
Will County animals have to deal with the colder
temperatures. Some animals fly away, some
store food away, and some sleep away! Keep
reading to learn the many ways animals survive.
Calling All
Kid Scientists
Try This Cool Experiment
Bee Dance
Like other animals, honeybees store
food for winter. The worker bees
also generate heat inside the hive by
“shaking” their muscles. Go outside
on a cool day and try this experiment.
Stand still for a few minutes and then
rate how cold you feel (1 being cold
and 10 being hot). Predict what will
happen when you move around, then
try to shiver and move around like
a bee. After one minute, stop and
rate how cold you feel. Were your
predictions correct? n
Groundhog Day
Animals that hibernate (hi·ber·nate)
sleep all winter and wake up when
it’s springtime. Bats and groundhogs
are the only two animals that
hibernate in our area. Groundhogs
even have their own special day
when they awake. We celebrate
Groundhog Day on February 2 in
anticipation of spring. If it is a cloudy
day when the groundhog crawls
out of its tunnel, then spring is on its
way. However, if it’s a sunny day, the
groundhog will see its shadow and
go back underground. This means
winter will last six more weeks! Mark
your calendars for February 2 to
go outside and see if you can find
a groundhog. While you wait, see if
you can find your shadow. n
2
Most animals have fur, feathers or
extra layers of fat insulation to help
them survive winter. They also need
a warm place to live. Make a few
gelatin critters using the directions
below and see if they can survive
winter. However, before you make
your gelatin critters, you need to
make a few homes. A good home
needs insulation. Most animals build
nests or dens with insulating layers
of dry grasses, leaves, old fur, mud,
and more to help keep them warm.
You can use all those things or
materials you have at home. A few
suggestions include a mitten, bubble
wrap or packing peanuts. Snow is a
good insulator too. Make a home or
two and place your gelatin critter(s)
inside. Take the homes containing
your gelatin critters outdoors. Next,
place one gelatin critter out in the
open without a home. Once you
have your critters in place, go inside
and warm up. Check on them in 30
minutes. Did your critters stay liquid
(alive) or become gelatin (die)? Was
there a difference between the
critter you left out in the cold and
those that had homes?
Gelatin Critter Instructions:
• Make one package of gelatin
(Have an adult help you mix
the gelatin).
• Fill 2-3 empty pill bottles, small
Tupperware, or film canisters with
the liquid gelatin.
• Put lids on the gelatin critters and
follow instructions above. n
Winter Joke:
What kind of cereal do snowmen
eat for breakfast?
Snow flakes! n
Photo by Suzy Lyttle
Do You Want to
Build a Snowman?
Some animals such as deer and coyotes need to stay active during the winter
to keep warm. What can we do to stay active during the winter? Building
a snowman is a great way to be active! Grab a friend and head outside to
roll two or three balls of snow. Stack them on top of each other and add a
face to the top one. Finish your snowman with a warm scarf or a hat. Want a
challenge? Try building snow animals. Be creative and see if you can build
a snow coyote or a snow deer. Roll four snowballs for feet and make a long
one for the body. You don’t have to use only snow. Try searching for sticks to
add antlers or a tail, or stones to add eyes or a nose. n
The Citizen – January-April 2016
Preserve Permits for 2016 Available for Purchase in January
As the new year begins, it’s time for forest preserve
fans to start planning their outdoor excursions
for 2016.
Permits for picnics and camping will go on sale
beginning Monday, January 4, at Sugar Creek
Administration Center in Joliet. On Tuesday,
January 5, permits for 2016 will also be available for
purchase at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville,
Monee Reservoir in Monee and Plum Creek Nature
Center in Beecher.
Picnic permits cover more than 30 shelters
sprinkled throughout Will County that range in
capacity from 25 to 200. Shelter rental fees begin
at $60 for Will County residents and $120 for nonresidents.
Browse picnic shelters’ details and view photos of
the sites at ReconnectWithNature.org before deciding
on a location for your 2016 party. Permits are
available for special events, including fundraisers,
performances and sporting events.
Camping permits are for tent camping at Hammel
the Forest Preserve visitor centers. Learn more about
camping permits by visiting ReconnectWithNature.org.
Dog park permits for 2016 went on sale in
November. Permits allow year-round access to all
five Forest Preserve District dog parks: Forked Creek
in Wilmington, Hammel Woods in Shorewood,
Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen, Whalon Lake in
Naperville and Rock Run in Joliet.
Dog park fees begin at $40 for one dog for Will
County residents and $80 for non-residents. Dog park
permits may be purchased in person at one of the
Woods in Shorewood, Messenger Woods Nature
visitor centers or through the mail by downloading
Preserve in Homer Glen, McKinley Woods in
an application from ReconnectWithNature.org. Senior
Channahon, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in
citizen and multi-dog discounts are available.
Beecher and Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road
New for 2016 is a provision that allows people to
Access in Wilmington.
buy permits for dogs they are fostering. Permits for a
Campsite rental fees for Will County residents begin
foster dog can be transferred to another dog should
at $7.50 per person per night for group camping and
the original dog be adopted.
$15 for family camping. The rates are double for nonDaily dog park passes can be purchased for $5 per
residents. Camping permits may be purchased over
dog, and half-year dog park permits will be available
the phone with a credit card or in person at one of
for purchase starting July 1. n
Forest Preserve District Receives Second Federal Grant for Black Road Project
The Forest Preserve District of Will County will
receive a second federal grant to help pay for the
construction of two pedestrian/bicycle bridges and
trail connections along Black Road.
The project will provide relief for pedestrians and
bicyclists who are looking for a safer way to cross
Interstate 55 and the DuPage River while traveling
from the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Joliet to the
DuPage River Trail in Shorewood. Currently, trail
users have to travel on sidewalks or a thin concrete
shoulder along Black Road to get over I-55 and
the river.
“This grant will allow the Forest Preserve District
to complete the long envisioned connection between
two regional trail systems,” said Ralph Schultz, the
District’s Chief Operating Officer. “The connection
will provide safe passage for walkers, runners and
bicyclists across two major barriers.”
Last year, the District received a $963,200 grant
from the federally funded Illinois Transportation
Enhancement Program (ITEP). That grant, combined
with local dollars, gave the District enough money to
pay for engineering for the entire Black Road project
and construction of Segment 1, which includes a
300-foot pedestrian/bicycle bridge over I-55 and new
asphalt trail segments on the north and south sides of
the road.
The $1.6 million grant announced on October 14
is part of the federal Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP). This second grant will allow the
District to construct the project’s Segment 2, which
includes a 260-foot bridge over the DuPage River
and a new trail connection on the south side of Black
Road. The TAP grant will allow both bridges and trail
connections to be built simultaneously, which is
what District officials had hoped for all along. Eighty
percent of the project’s cost will come from federal
grants and 20 percent from local dollars.
Phase I engineering for the $3.3 million Black Road
project is due to be completed by November 2015.
Phase II engineering should be done by August 2016.
The District plans to seek bids for construction of
the bridges and trail extensions in November 2016.
Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and end
sometime in 2018.
Once completed, the Black Road bridges and trail
extensions will provide a safer link to more than
50 miles of regional trails including the Illinois and
Michigan Canal Trail and the Old Plank Road Trail. n
Forest Preserve Partners Named ‘Best of the Best’
Two Forest Preserve District partners
were honored with awards on October 1
in Wheeling by the Illinois Association of
Park Districts (IAPD) during its Best of
the Best Gala.
Aura Duke, 92, of Park Forest,
was named an “Outstanding Citizen
Volunteer of the Year.” Enbridge Inc. was
named a “Best Friend of Illinois Parks” in
the large business category.
“We are so pleased that our partners
are being recognized for all of the
contributions they make to the District
year after year,” said Forest Preserve
Board President Suzanne Hart. “These
awards are very much deserved by
Aura and Enbridge, and they show how
corporations and individuals alike can
make a difference when they pledge their
resources to the District.”
Duke, who has been active with the
Thorn Creek Audubon for almost 25
years, is responsible for two important
bluebird trails at the District’s Monee
Reservoir and Goodenow Grove Nature
Preserve in Beecher. Duke oversees the
monitoring of 68 bluebird nesting boxes
weekly from mid-March through midAugust. Monitoring activities include
mapping and numbering the location of
all nesting boxes on a site map, recording
required data at specified intervals and
submitting an annual report.
Once a year, Duke works with her team
of Thorn Creek Audubon volunteers
to clean the boxes, which involves
removing nesting materials and making
sure drainage holes are clear. Under her
training and management, they also
perform general repairs to the boxes
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Continued from page 1
Ken Collins, left, chairman-elect for the Illinois Association
of Park Districts, presents the “Best Friends of Illinois Parks”
Aura Duke
award to John Gauderman, director of Enbridge Inc.’s Chicago
Region Operations, during an awards ceremony in Wheeling
when necessary.
on October 1. Also pictured are Forest Preserve District Board
Duke compiles data on President Suzanne Hart and Kevin Connelly, a public affairs
birds found at Goodenow adviser for Enbridge’s Chicago region.
Grove, and schedules the
many Audubon volunteers who monitor
Most recently, the company donated
Will County forest preserve sites.
$266,400 to Friends of the Forest
“This esteemed award acknowledges
Preserve District of Will County,
the 25 years of quality service that
the District’s nonprofit fundraising
Aura has committed to the District,”
foundation. The money will be used to
said volunteer supervisor Renee
restore 42 acres of former agricultural
Gauchat. “Under her leadership, the
fields at Forked Creek Preserve
Thorn Creek Audubon has grown the
in Wilmington.
number of knowledgeable bluebird
Ralph Schultz, the District’s Chief
monitors and active bluebird trails
Operating Officer, said the IAPD
here at the District. It’s a well-deserved
acknowledgement rewards Enbridge for
honor for an exceptional volunteer and
voluntarily donating mitigation funds
volunteer coordinator.”
to a forest preserve district in a county
The District’s partnership with
where it has conducted pipeline work.
Enbridge – an international company
“Enbridge has been working with
based in Canada that transports,
the Forest Preserve for several years to
distributes and generates energy – began provide support and enhancement to
in 2012. The first donation of $500 went several of our community events and
toward the District’s “Ride the Rock” bike projects,” he said. “We hope to continue
ride. Additional donations followed for
to sustain and build on this partnership
special events, information boards and
for the benefit of our residents for years
habitat restoration.
to come.” n
815.727.8700. Winners of the
drawings will be contacted
by email.
The transition to a digital
version of The Citizen will
culminate in 2017 when the
newsletter will be available
in a digital-only format. This
move is being made as the
District strives to reduce
its environmental footprint
and operate more efficiently,
which saves taxpayer dollars.
Existing print-version
subscribers will continue to
have the newsletter mailed
to them through 2016 unless
they voluntarily transition
to the digital newsletter in
the meantime, which the
District is encouraging. New
subscribers can only sign up
for the digital version, which
is posted online and emailed
to them.
The new and improved
digital version of
The Citizen can be found
on the District’s website,
ReconnectWithNature.org. This
new format will evolve as the
transition continues. n
3
Sled into the New Year with “Musher Mania”
For the 22nd year in a row, the Forest Preserve
District will highlight winter with an afternoon
devoted to “mushing,” the sport of dog sled racing.
The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago is once
again partnering with the Forest Preserve to feature
these well-trained, beautiful huskies in their natural
environment of cold and snow, and the Forest
Preserve is providing a variety of wintry activities to
entice you out into the cold. “Musher Mania” will be
held at Monee Reservoir on Saturday, January 9, from
noon-4 p.m.
Learn about this distinctive breed of dog, mushing
skills and the “Great Race to Nome” at this free,
family program. Teams of Siberian huskies will
demonstrate mushing as they race across the trails of
Monee Reservoir.
In addition to these breathtaking demonstrations,
guests can pull a sled in a “human mushing”
activity, play on snowshoes, have a photo taken
with a sled dog and warm up beside a campfire while
roasting marshmallows.
A warming tent will offer a special showing of
Icebound: The Greatest Dog Story Ever Told, presented
by Jagman Productions. This 2012 documentary
examines the 1925 serum run by dog sled to Nome,
Alaska to relieve the inhabitants from an epidemic
of diphtheria.
Among other event features, you also will have
the opportunity to become a musher in the “Great
Race to Nome” activity, observe ice sculptors as they
demonstrate their artistic skills, and even be able to
pan for gold.
“Musher Mania” will be held with or without snow.
Wheeled sleds will be used if there is not snow cover.
For safety purposes, please do not bring your own dog
to the program.
This event will be held outdoors on uneven, and
possibly snow-covered, ground. n
Team Effort Provides Protection for Endangered Plant
The Forest Preserve District is home to a plant
species so endangered and rare, it’s now only found at
14 sites in three states, according to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
The largest populations of the remaining leafy
prairie clover (dalea foliosa) live in the dolomite
prairies of Illinois, including the Forest Preserve
District’s Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and
Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve. Dolomite prairies
feature a thin layer of soil on top of dolomite bedrock.
This rare environment is one of the few places the
federally endangered leafy prairie clover can grow.
It’s also found living on the edges of cedar glades in
Alabama and Tennessee.
Leafy prairie clover is threatened by development,
but also by white-tailed deer and rabbits that like to
snack on the plant’s leaves. In an effort to protect
the plant, the Forest Preserve District installed nine
enclosures at both preserves in 2006. But through
the years, weather and time took their toll and the
enclosures were deteriorating.
That’s where Eagle Scout Nicholas Ruskowsky of
New Lenox comes in. The 16-year-old Lincoln-Way
West student is helping the District protect the leafy
prairie clover populations at the two preserves.
Ruskowsky, a member of Boy Scout Troop 44,
organized a team of fellow scouts who worked
together to build nine new enclosures that will
protect the plants from browsing by deer and other
herbivores. The new enclosures were built using
similar specifications as the previous ones, but with
some reinforcements so that they do not break down
so quickly. The enclosures were installed in the same
locations as the old ones in Lockport Prairie and
Romeoville Prairie.
The enclosures were built in the spring at
Ruskowsky’s home and installed at the preserves
in June. The District’s natural resource managers
provided technical assistance, guidance and
transportation for the enclosures to the two
preserves. Ruskowsky, his troop leader and fellow
scouts removed the old versions and installed the
new ones.
Ruskowsky said he liked working on a project that
will protect an endangered plant while also learning
more about the tasks required to carry out such
an endeavor.
“It sounded like it would be a project that would
challenge my skills while pushing me to learn more
about planning and carpentry,” he said.
Jason Buss, the District’s resource management
volunteer liaison, recruited Ruskowsky for the
project and Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg, the
District’s natural resource land manager, provided
professional oversight.
Scouts who assisted Ruskowsky on the project were:
Greg Ryba, Cooper Simon, Micah McBride, Michael
Malloy, Jack Gaul, Will Lester, Nathan Epperson, Ben
Epperson, Sean Morris, John Stagner, Bill Laiter,
Charlie Mayhugh, Jack Zolecki, Nathan Creech, Ken
Clarke, Dan Dellamano, Nicholas Gambino, Thomas
Gambino, R.J. Marcowka, Frank Cerny and Jacob
Eilers. n
Tornado Siren Installed
at Goodenow Grove
Nature Preserve
A tornado alert siren that will serve residents of
eastern Will County and visitors to Goodenow Grove
Nature Preserve was installed this summer at the
preserve. An intergovernmental agreement between
the Forest Preserve District and the Crete Township
Fire Protection District paved the way for the tower.
The District will pay for electricity stemming from
monthly siren tests. The Fire Protection District paid for
installation costs and it will maintain the device. If the
siren sounds, people should seek shelter and tune into
local media outlets for emergency information. n
4
Weather Cancels Fall Fest
Mother Nature didn’t cooperate with
this year’s “Goodenow Grove Fall Fest.”
The District’s annual celebration of fall was
canceled shortly after it began on September
12 due to muddy and rainy conditions. These
attendees, however, made the best of their
short time at the event. n
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal (left), Forest Preserve Board President Suzanne
Hart (center) and Lockport Township Park District Board President Jeff Rigoni withstand blustery conditions on
October 1 during a land transfer celebration at Prairie Bluff Preserve in Crest Hill.
Attend New Earth,
Wind and Fire Festival
Forest Preserve District Celebrates
Prairie Bluff Preserve Land Transfer
“Goodenow Grove Earth, Wind and Fire Festival,”
a free, family program that celebrates Earth Day, will
be held on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kids can explore the earth at Spot’s Nature
Playground. A crawl-through “honeycomb climber”
introduces the concept of architecture in nature
and transforms kids into bees; a vine tunnel weaves
through a “rabbit trail”; a log wall provides a secret
hideout and a mushroom forest features kid-sized
toadstools – these are just a few of the curiosity
enriching experiences awaiting exploration in Spot’s
Nature Playground.
Get back to basics with demonstrations of
composting, using worms to turn everyday kitchen
waste into nutrient-rich soil ideal for gardening.
Explore the magic of the wind with the
millennium-old practice of kite flying. Kites will be
featured throughout the day, and young and not so
young alike are invited to bring their own kites or
purchase one from an on-site vendor. Performances
of synchronized kite dances, fanciful displays of
huge 90-foot kites and a thrilling candy drop from
the sky will be provided by members of the Illinois
Kite Enthusiasts Club.
The sky also will provide the backdrop for
performances by professional falconers. Watch with
fascination as these remarkable birds of prey soar
effortlessly and return to their human trainers.
Let the warmth of fire invite you to the campfire
area where you can cook over an open fire, join in
some singing, play campfire games and more. You
can also pick up some basic camping skills.
Vendors will be on hand at the event with
information and with food and crafts available
for purchase.
Learn how to celebrate Earth Day everyday
with natural, intriguing experiences from our new
“Goodenow Grove Earth, Wind and Fire Festival.”
This program will take place on paved paths or
natural surfaces across uneven terrain. n
Officials from all levels of government gathered
on a windy October 1 at the Forest Preserve
District’s Prairie Bluff Preserve in Crest Hill to
celebrate legislation that will protect 558 acres of
environmentally significant land for generations
to come.
The state has agreed to transfer 476 acres from the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
to the Forest Preserve District and 82 acres to the
Lockport Township Park District to better protect
Prairie Bluff Preserve’s natural resources and to
facilitate an expansion of the Park District’s Brent
Hassert Park. The land will cost each district $1.
While the transfer price is low, the acreage is
priceless because of the role it plays in recharging
the aquifer and supplying groundwater that supports
several endangered species.
“Because of the efforts of the Forest Preserve, the
Park District, the Department of Natural Resources
and our state legislators, we are meeting the needs
of open space conservation and the protection of
natural resources while at the same time transforming
farmland into a recreational hub that enriches the
quality of life for area residents,” said Forest Preserve
Board President Suzanne Hart.
As a way of thanking all who helped make the
transfer a reality, partner awards were presented to
IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal; Col. Christopher
Drew, Chicago district commander for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers; Louise Clemency, Chicago
field office supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service; Randy Heidorn, director of the Illinois Nature
Preserves Commission; and Joe Roth, director of
restoration programs for Openlands. Also receiving
awards were state Rep. Emily McAsey, state Rep.
Larry Walsh Jr., state Rep. Natalie Manley and former
state Rep. Brent Hassert. State Sen. Pat McGuire was
also recognized but was unable to be present at the
celebration to accept his award.
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 3241 on July
23 to pave the way for the transfer.
Prairie Bluff’s role in providing water to Lockport
Prairie Nature Preserve was highlighted during the
celebration, which was held at Prairie Bluff’s picnic
shelter. Rain that falls on Prairie Bluff seeps into the
soil, hits limestone bedrock and flows east toward
Lockport Prairie where it feeds that preserve’s rare
dolomite prairie.
“More than half of the high quality wet dolomite
prairie in the world is located at Lockport Prairie,”
said Forest Preserve Board Commissioner Lauren
Staley-Ferry, who represents the District that
includes Prairie Bluff. “The site supports the federally
endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly and leafy prairie
clover, the federally threatened lakeside daisy, and
nine other state listed species.”
Clemency said Lockport Prairie is a nationally
important resource because it is home to the world’s
most genetically diverse population of Hine’s
emerald dragonflies.
To date, the Forest Preserve District has spent
more than $2 million on hydrology improvements,
natural community restoration and recreational
enhancements at Prairie Bluff and those efforts will
continue. The preserve’s recreational component
includes a 3.2-mile paved trail and a picnic shelter.
The Park District’s Hassert Park features softball,
soccer and lacrosse fields, a splash park, and an
accessible playground. The land transfer will expand
Hassert Park south to Division Street. n
Pups and People
Enjoy Hoopla
Nearly 1,500 people had a howling good time at
the sixth annual “Howloween Hoopla” held October
24 at Whalon Lake Dog Park in Naperville. Cute
costumed canines competed in contests and proudly
padded their way through a pooch parade. Pups who
participated also took advantage of free massages
and nail trimming while their owners perused vendor
displays, which included dogs available for adoption
from non-profit rescue organizations. n
5
Plum Creek Nature Center is the Place to “Bee”
The Forest Preserve District’s Plum Creek Nature
Center in Beecher is turning into a pollination
destination. Now that the Nature Center’s new indoor
honeybee hive is thriving, another bee-oriented
program has been added.
In addition to the popular “Introduction to
Beekeeping,” a new “Meet a Beekeeper” offering
will make volunteer beekeepers available to chat
with Nature Center visitors on the first and second
Sundays of the month.
“Introduction to Beekeeping” will be offered from
10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, January 16 at the Nature
Center. This program helps individuals who would like
to get started in beekeeping, but don’t know where to
begin. (See fee details and registration information on
page 10.)
Though it began informally this fall, the launch of
the “Meet a Beekeeper” program will officially begin
on Sunday, January 3. The program will be offered on
the first and second Sundays of the month through
April and possibly longer. During the free, all-ages
program, a veteran beekeeper will be stationed at the
live bee exhibit from 12:30-3 p.m. to talk about bees
and to answer questions from members of the public.
Volunteer beekeepers Mike Rusnak of Glenwood
and Oliver “Skip” Pronger of Blue Island will take
turns providing education about beekeeping,
beehives, bee ecology and the importance of bees
to the public. Pronger said while bees are a vital
component to the production of fruits and vegetables,
bee populations have been declining due to fewer
managed hives and harm from pesticides and invasive
mites. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, there were
around 4,500 beekeepers registered in Illinois, he said.
“Now we’re down to about 1,500 to 1,700
beekeepers registered,” he explained.
Pronger said he and Rusnak have volunteered for
the Plum Creek Nature Center program to get more
people interested in beekeeping because the more
beekeepers there are, the better it is for bees and
the environment.
“We just like to talk bees and talk them up,”
said Pronger, who has 40 years of experience as
a beekeeper.
Rusnak, who has achieved an advanced level in the
University of Florida’s Master Beekeeper Program,
said beekeeping is his passion and he hopes the “Meet
a Beekeeper” program will help others get excited
about the insects and all they do for the planet.
“I would like to encourage and support others by
sharing my experiences,” Rusnak said. “I want others
to be enthused and inspired about keeping honeybees
for the pleasure and tranquility they can provide.
Bountiful honey and pollination are an extra bonus.”
The Nature Center’s bee education effort is catching
on with the public, especially the indoor hive, said
Plum Creek Nature Center’s facility coordinator
Bob Bryerton.
“They have become somewhat of a staple of our
exhibits with visitors
coming in just to check on
the bees and see if they
can locate the queen,”
he said.
A few years ago, the bee
population in the indoor
hive dropped and the
exhibit was discontinued,
but assistance from
beekeeper Rusnak
rectified the situation and
the bee exhibit reopened
in 2014.
“Throughout the entire
process, Nature Center
staff learned much about
the bees and how much work it takes to keep a hive
going,” Bryerton said. “Working with the beekeepers
and getting to observe the hive every day has helped
us gain knowledge and appreciation of how a bee
colony works. It has delighted many visitors as well
who otherwise not might get a close up look at bees.”
In addition to its indoor exhibit, Plum Creek
Nature Center also serves as a setting for outdoor
bee education. The building’s natural surroundings
are designed to show visitors the many kinds of
native flowering plants and shrubs that can serve
in residential landscapes as habitat for a variety
of pollinators.
With the outdoor landscaping and indoor hive,
Plum Creek Nature Center serves as a pollination
destination year round. Hummingbirds, butterflies,
honeybees and native bees can be seen in the spring,
summer and fall visiting the colorful blooms. In the
winter, the Nature Center’s indoor observation hive
continues to give visitors an amazing view of the
world of bees. n
Give Your Hound a Hug for Easter
We know that the kids love to search for Easter
eggs, but the family dog? That’s right! Shorewood
H.U.G.S., a local organization that assists worthy
fundraising efforts, is partnering with the Forest
Preserve District to host “Hugs for Hounds” at
Hammel Woods Dog Park in Shorewood. The program
will be held Saturday, March 26, beginning at 11 a.m.
and will last until all hidden eggs have been found.
“Hugs for Hounds” is open to all ages and requires
a registration fee of $5 per dog. Proceeds will go
toward the care, handling and training of the Forest
Preserve’s K9 officer, Jullo.
Filled with doggy treats or prizes, Easter eggs will
be hidden throughout Hammel Woods Dog Park
for your pet to find. Make sure to bring a basket to
collect the Easter eggs. Dogs must be leashed and
accompanied by their owners at all times. A special
drawing for a variety of filled Easter baskets will also
be held, so be sure to bring your dollars.
A dog park permit is not needed to participate in
“Hugs for Hounds,” but permits will be available for
purchase. A permit gives you access to any of the
Forest Preserve’s five fenced, free-run dog parks, at
Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access, Whalon Lake
(Naperville), Lower Rock Run Preserve – McClintock
Road Access (Joliet), Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou
Road Access (Wilmington) and Messenger Marsh
(Homer Glen).
To purchase a permit, you will need your driver’s
license as well as your dog’s rabies tag number and
expiration date. Dogs participating in the Easter egg
hunt must be current on all vaccinations.
“Hugs for Hounds” day-of registration begins at 10:30
a.m., but advance registration is recommended. To
register prior to the event, contact Shorewood H.U.G.S.
(www.shorewoodhugs.org) beginning in February.
The program will be held on natural surfaces across
uneven terrain. n
Board Authorizes Deer Management Program to Reduce Herd Numbers
The Forest Preserve District’s Board of
Commissioners approved the 2015-2016 deer
management program in September.
The program will take place in seven areas:
Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve and Isle a la
Cache in Romeoville; Lockport Prairie Nature
Preserve in Crest Hill; McKinley Woods Preserve
and Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
in Channahon; Kankakee Sands Geologic Area in
southern Will County (Sand Ridge Savanna Nature
Preserve, Sand Ridge Savanna Preserve, Braidwood
Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve and Kankakee
Sands Preserve); Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
in Beecher; Hickory Creek Preserve in New Lenox
and Mokena; and Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve
in Monee.
The program was scheduled to begin in early
December and end in late February or early March,
but the exact dates will depend on approval
6
of a 90-day permit by the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources (IDNR) as well as winter
weather conditions.
The District’s goal is to reach a deer population level
of 20 to 30 deer per square mile. The 2015-2016 plan
calls for the removal of a total of 175 deer.
The District uses sharpshooters to cull the deer
and the unit includes District police officers and
volunteers who are certified annually by IDNR. Culling
operations occur at dusk when the preserves are
closed. Signs have been posted at the entrance to the
preserve when sharpshooting activities are scheduled
to occur. Preserves where deer culling is occurring will
be closed from 3 p.m. until sunrise, Monday-Thursday.
Deer culling will not take place on holidays.
The deer meat will be donated to the Northern
Illinois Food Bank for distribution to needy families in
northeastern Illinois.
The District’s Deer Management Program was first
approved by the Board in 2010. Deer were culled
from Will County preserves in 2010-2011, 20112012, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. No deer were
removed in 2012-2013 because of an outbreak of
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Subsequent
aerial deer population counts showed EHD had not
caused a significant reduction in deer population
in District preserves, and the deer management
program resumed.
The program was created to deal with overbrowsing
damage caused by high density levels of white-tailed
deer, which threaten the well-being of the District’s
woodlands, savannas and prairies. The damage over
the last decade has become quite noticeable and, if left
unmanaged, will result in rapid and dramatic changes
to these areas. Excessive overbrowsing reduces plant
and animal diversity and habitat and can lead to
erosion. n
Thank You for Your Support!
The Forest Preserve District is grateful to the following businesses and individuals for their financial
support of District special events and programs in 2015.
Without their generous contributions, the Forest Preserve could not have had such great
success in bringing these enhanced offerings to the residents of Will County. Thank you!
For more information on partnering with the Forest Preserve to support the endeavors of
the District, please call 815.727.8700. Businesses and individuals listed here provided monies or inkind gifts valued at $125 or more.
Adult Fishing Derby
Howloween Hoopla
• Cabela’s
•
•
•
•
•
Bench Donation Program
• James and Karen Kabat
• Kristine Mackey
• Mike Weiland
Boating Safety Week
• National Safe Boating Council
District-Wide Special Events
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bill Jacobs Joliet, LLC
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Enbridge Energy
Exelon Generation
Exxon Mobil Pipeline
JULIE, Inc.
Saratoga Specialties
Thomas McCafferty
TransCanada
Voyager Media Group
General Donation
•
•
•
•
Comcast Cable
Jora Composter
National Safe Boating Council
RiverWorks Discovery
Goodenow Grove Fall Fest
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Addus HealthCare, Inc.
BIMBA Manufacturing
Cornerstone Media
Curves for Women
Friends of Toi Hutchinson
Landmark Engineering, LLC
Lee Werner Excavating
Monee Township Road District
Professional Building
Services, Inc.
Pullara, Inc.
Rainbow Farm Enterprises
River Valley Supportive
Living Residence
Sheet Metal Workers 265
Southland Friends of Labor
The Market Place
Vitas Healthcare
Walt’s Food Center
Wight & Company
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
Cumulus Chicago
Diane’s Dogs
earthbath
Feel So Good Canine
Massage, LLC
Ken J. Marks Agility
Kriser’s Natural Pet
Oak Brook Kennel Club
PetRageous Designs
PurrFurred Pet Styling, Inc.
SPAY ILLINOIS
SuperDogz, Inc.
The Pooper Scoopers
Kids’ Fishing Derby
• Cabela’s
Musher Mania
• Game7 Films
Music at McKinley Outdoor
Concert and Car Show
• Carnagio Enterprises
Inc., McDonald’s
• D Construction
• D’Arcy Auto
• Darryl Dupre, Inc.
• I-55 Auto Salvage, Inc.
• Joliet/Will County
Project Pride
• Kuhar Vision Care P.C.
• Providence Bank
• Ray’s Collision Center
• Robert E. Hamilton
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
• Rosalie D’Andrea &
Associates, LTD
• Three Rivers
Construction Alliance
• Wermer, Rogers, Doran
& Ruzon, LLC
Ride the Rock
• Advanced Family Dental, PC
• Applebee’s Neighborhood
Grill and Bar
• CARCARE Collision Centers
• Catholic Holy Family Society
• CenterPoint Properties
• Christopher B. Burke
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering, LTD
Claassen, White & Associates
D Construction
Double J Sports Bar
First Community Bank
Harrah’s Joliet Casino
and Hotel
Heroes West Sports Grill
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Hometown National Bank
Integrity Restoration, Inc.
John Wright - State
Farm Agent
Joliet Area Historical Museum
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Tent Co.
Kavanagh, Grumley
& Gorbold, LLC
Merchants &
Manufacturers Bank
Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency
NorthEast Chapter Illinois
Professional Land Surveyors
Nowacki Insurance Agency
NuMark Credit Union
Presence Saint Joseph
Medical Center
Republic Services
Rosario Cibella, LTD
Strand Associates, Inc.
Sumbaum Cycle Co.
Thrivent Financial
Turk Furniture
Walgreens
Wermer, Rogers, Doran
& Ruzon, LLC
Snowshoe under the
Stars: Sweetheart Style
• Linfred Winery
Volunteer Services
•
•
•
•
•
BP Foundation, Inc.
Goldman,Sachs & Co.
Richard Wachenheim
Service Sanitation, Inc.
The Nature Conservancy n
DeMauro Retirement
Continued from page 1
revenue of slightly more than $1 million in 2013; and
accepted the largest single land donation to date of 160
acres. Thirteen preserves and facilities opened during
this time.
DeMauro said she’s very proud of her work with the
District’s land management, land preservation and
acquisition, and capital improvement programs. Much
of the work was accomplished with funding from two
successful bond referendums.
“We told voters what we were going to accomplish
if they gave us money,” she said. “I have been part
of managing that program, and I am proud to say
we delivered on that promise. We acquired land and
developed it for accessible public use, and we connected
forest preserves with local communities via our
regional trails.”
Two existing employees have been tapped to take
on DeMauro’s duties. Ralph Schultz, the District’s
director of Planning and Operations, was named chief
operating officer. John Gerl, the District’s director of
Finance and Administration, is now the District’s chief
financial officer.
Schultz, a landscape architect who was hired by the
District in 1993, worked with DeMauro in a variety of
roles over the past 22 years.
“Her tenacity in helping develop and manage our
land stewardship, capital and land acquisition programs
helped us become the successful organization we are
today,” he said.
Gerl, a certified public accountant, started working
for the District in 2009 after serving on the Forest
Preserve District Board for 13 years. He said he enjoyed
working with DeMauro both as a Board member and as
a colleague.
“Marcy put in many years of hard work pushing
the District to be the very best it could be, not only
environmentally but financially,” he said. “I wish her the
very best in her retirement.”
Forest Preserve Board President Suzanne Hart
said DeMauro’s work on behalf of the District will be
remembered for many years to come.
“Marcy has been a very enthusiastic leader, and she
has always cared so deeply about the District’s mission,”
Hart said. “Under her watch, the District flourished and
expanded. She will be missed, but we sincerely hope she
enjoys every minute of her well-deserved retirement.”
DeMauro said she plans to spend some of her
retirement working with Friends of the Forest Preserve
District, the District’s non-profit fundraising foundation
as it raises money for various forest preserve programs.
She also said she is optimistic about the District’s
future because it has the leadership and staff in place to
protect the county’s natural areas while improving the
quality of life for residents.
“This won’t happen by staying stagnant, but by
continuing to plan, prioritize and find ways to fund key
projects and programs that connect people to nature and
create opportunities for recreation, especially regional
trails and education,” she said. n
Second Fur Trade
Mural Installed at
Isle a la Cache
A second mural depicting a scene from the 18th
century French fur trade era was installed in October at
Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. The first mural,
which was installed in April, tells the beginning of the
story of the fur trade process in Illinois. The second
mural depicts a market scene in Quebec – a probable
destination for the pelts. The two murals combined tell
the fur trade story from start to finish, said Museum
Supervisor Chris Gutmann. “The new mural has been
getting rave reviews,” he said. “School groups are even
taking class pictures in front of it.” Both murals were
created by Jeanine Hattas Wilson, a California artist who
grew up in Woodstock, Illinois. n
7
Calendar of Events
SUNDAY
27
MONDAY
28
TUESDAY
29
WEDNESDAY
30
THURSDAY
31
FRIDAY
1
SATURDAY
2
7
8
9
16
Bonne Annee (ICM)
2-4 p.m. [p.10]
JANUARY 1-10 Recycle the Holiday Spirit (ICM, MR, PCNC, SCAC) 8 a.m. -4 p.m.. [p.13]
3
January
October
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
10
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Living History
Demonstration (ICM)
Noon-3 p.m. [p.12]
4
11
5
6
12
13
14
15
Eagle Watch on the River
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Learn 70 Birds by Spring
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
and field trip Saturday,
April 2, 9 a.m.-noon [p.12]
Warm up to Snowshoeing
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
Beekeeping: Introduction
to Beekeeping (PCNC)
10 a.m.-2 p.m. [p.10]
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
4
5
6
12
13
19
20
26
27
4
5
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
17
18
19
24
25
26
31
1
2
7
8
9
14
15
21
22
28
29
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Tracking Animals in
Winter (TCNC) 1-3 p.m. [p.14]
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Living History
Demonstration (ICM)
Noon-3 p.m. [p.12]
“Chili” Evening Hike
(TCNC) 5-7 p.m. [p.11]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
The Amazing Life and
Many Names of Gurdon
Hubbard (ICM) 2-4 p.m. [p.14]
16
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
Nature Play Days (PCNC)
10-11:30 a.m. [p.12]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
How to Improve Your
New Telescope (MR)
7:30-9 p.m. [p.11]
Winter Wonder Walk
(ICM) 7-8 p.m. [p.14]
3
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
Four Rivers’ Wedding Open
House (FR) 4-7 p.m. [p.11]
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
An Evening with Thoreau
(ICM) 7-8:30 p.m. [p.10]
10
11
17
18
10-11:30 a.m. [p.12]
Keep Your Eyes on the
Sky (MR) 7:30-9 p.m. [p.12]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
November
February
24
25
1
2
3
Events are listed here by location, along with facility
addresses and abbreviated codes for each site.
Four Rivers Environmental
Education Center (FR)
Located at 25055 W. Walnut Lane,
McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove
at Blackberry Lane, south of Route 6,
in Channahon. Call 815.722.9470.
• About Boating Safely Certification Class
• Eagle Watch on the River
• Four Rivers’ Wedding Open Houses
• River Shoreline Clean-Up
Hammel Woods Dog Park (HWDP)
Located at Hammel Woods – DuPage
River Access on Black Road, east of Route
59, in Shorewood. Call 815.727.8700.
• Hugs for Hounds Easter Egg Hunt
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Romantic Rendezvous
(ICM) 5-7 p.m. [p.13]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
23
Locations
8
An Evening with Emerson
(ICM) 7-8:30 p.m. [p.10]
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
Happy Hour Nature
Painting (PCNC)
6:30-8:30 p.m. [p.11]
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Isle a la Cache Museum (ICM)
Located at 501 E. Romeo Road (135th
Street), 0.5 mile east of Route 53, in
Romeoville. Call 815.886.1467.
• Aldo Leopold Day
• An Evening with Audubon
• An Evening with Carson
• An Evening with Emerson
• An Evening with Thoreau
• Bonne Annee
• Busy Beavers Craft Club
• Living History Demonstration
• Recycle the Holiday Spirit
• Romantic Rendezvous
• Super Seeds
• The Amazing Life and Many
Names of Gurdon Hubbard
• Winter Stories & Games
• Winter Wonder Walk
Junior Ecologists Club
(TCNC) Noon-3 p.m. [p.12]
Musher Mania (MR)
Noon-4 p.m. [p.12]
[p.12]
Busy Beavers Craft Club
(ICM) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Night Hike: Owls (PCNC)
4:30-6:30 p.m. [p.13]
(FR) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Four Rivers’ Wedding Open
House (FR) 9 a.m.-noon [p.11]
Great Backyard Bird Count
(TCNC) 9 a.m.–2 p.m. [p.11]
Snowshoe under the
(PCNC) 6-9 p.m. [p.13]
(MR) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.14]
(ICM) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery
Nature Preserve (LR)
Located on Renwick Road, 0.5 mile
east of Route 30 (Plainfield Road),
in Plainfield. Call 708.946.2216.
• Migratory Bird Hike
• Photography Bird Hike
Monee Reservoir (MR)
Located at 27341 Ridgeland Avenue, west
of Route 50 and south of Pauling Road, 2
miles south of Monee. Call 708.534.8499.
• How to Improve Your New Telescope
• Keep Your Eyes on the Sky
• Musher Mania
• Recycle Your Bicycle
• Try it! Fishing Day
• Warm up to Snowshoeing
• Woodcock Walk
SUNDAY
28
MONDAY
29
TUESDAY
1
6
7
8
13
14
15
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Make a Gourd Birdhouse
(TCNC) Two sessions: 1-2
p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m. [p.12]
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Living History
Demonstration (ICM)
Noon-3 p.m. [p.12]
Spring Clean Up Day
at Thorn Creek Woods
March
20
21
27
28
29
3
4
5
10
11
12
17
18
19
24
25
26
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper (PCNC)
12:30-3 p.m. [p.10]
Living History
Demonstration (ICM)
Noon-3 p.m. [p.12]
March into Spring Hike
(TCNC) 1-3 p.m. [p.12]
Spring Nature
Photography (PCNC)
8:30-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
22
Pie in the Sky Night Hike
(TCNC) 7-9 p.m. [p.13]
WEDNESDAY
2
THURSDAY
3
9
10
16
17
23
24
25
30
31
1
6
7
8
13
14
15
April
20
21
22
27
28
29
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
10-11:30 a.m. [p.12]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Sky (MR) 7:30-9 p.m. [p.12]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Sky (MR) 7:30-9 p.m. [p.12]
10-11:30 a.m. [p.12]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
Wednesday Morning
Walkers (TCNC)
9-10:30 a.m. [p.14]
An Evening with Carson
(ICM) 7-8:30 p.m. [p.10]
FRIDAY
4
SATURDAY
5
11
12
18
19
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(TCNC) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Woods Music (TCNC)
7-9 p.m. [p.14]
Winter Stories & Games
(ICM) 6:30-8 p.m. [p.14]
An Evening with Audubon
(ICM) 7-8:30 p.m. [p.10]
Maple Syrup Magic
(PCNC) 1-3 p.m. [p.12]
Aldo Leopold Day
(ICM) 2-4 p.m. [p.10]
About Boating Safely
Certification Class (FR)
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. [p.10]
Woodcock Walk (MR)
6:30-8 p.m. [p.14]
26
(ICM) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Hugs for Hounds Easter
Egg Hunt (HWDP) Day-of
Registration: 10:30 a.m.
Event Begins: 11 a.m. [p.11]
2
River Shoreline Clean-Up
(FR) 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. [p.13]
Learn 70 Birds by Spring Field
Trip (TCNC) 9 a.m. - noon [p.12]
Salamander Safari
(PCNC) 1-3 p.m. [p.13]
9
Migratory Bird Hike
(LR) 8-10 a.m. [p.12]
16
Try it! Fishing Day (MR)
10 a.m.-2 p.m. [p.14]
Super Seeds (ICM)
2-3:30 p.m. [p.14]
23
(ICM) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [p.11]
Photography Bird Hike
(LR) 8-10 a.m. [p.13]
Earth Day at Thorn Creek: Frogs
and Toads and Salamanders
(TCNC) Noon - 4 p.m. [p.11]
30
Goodenow Grove Earth,
(PCNC) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. [p.11]
Migratory Bird Hike
(LR) 8-10 a.m. [p.12]
Riverview Farmstead Tour
(RF) 10-11:30 a.m. [p.13]
APRIL 19-MAY 1 Recycle Your Bicycle (MR) 6 a.m.-5 p.m. [p.13]
Plum Creek Nature Center (PCNC)
Located at 27064 S. Dutton Road, 1.25 miles east of the intersection of
Routes 1 and 394 on Goodenow Road, in Beecher. Call 708.946.2216.
• Beekeeping: Introduction
• Nature Play Days
to Beekeeping
• Night Hike: Owls
• Beekeeping: Meet a Beekeeper
• Goodenow Grove Earth,
• Salamander Safari
• Snowshoe under the
• Happy Hour Nature Painting
• Maple Syrup Magic
• Spring Nature Photography
Riverview Farmstead
Preserve (RF)
Located on Book Road, south of
Hassert Boulevard/111th Street,
in Naperville. Call 815.885.1467.
• Riverview Farmstead Tour
Sugar Creek
Administration Center (SCAC)
Located at 17540 W. Laraway
Road, in Joliet. Call 815.727.8700.
Thorn Creek Nature Center (TCNC)
Located at 247 Monee Road in Park Forest. Call 708.747.6320.
• “Chili” Evening Hike
• March into Spring Hike
• Earth Day at Thorn Creek: Frogs
• Pie in the Sky Night Hike
and Toads and Salamanders
• Spring Clean Up Day at
• Great Backyard Bird Count
Thorn Creek Woods
• Junior Ecologists Club
• Tracking Animals in Winter
• Learn 70 Birds by Spring
• Wednesday Morning Walkers
• Make a Gourd Birdhouse
• Woods Music
9
Descriptions
Almanac. Afterwards, we will return to
the museum for a screening of Green
Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic
for our Time. This program begins on
uneven, natural terrain, and ends in the
accessible Isle a la Cache Museum.
Programs listed here are intended for individuals and families. Organized
groups should contact the Forest Preserve District at 815.727.8700 for
information about group programming options. All facilities and events are fully
accessible to all unless otherwise noted. In providing programs and services
to the public, the Forest Preserve District will make reasonable modifications
to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to enjoy District offerings.
Should you require modifications or assistive equipment to participate in a
Forest Preserve program, please make your request at least 48 hours prior to
the program. For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org/ADA.
About Boating Safely
Certification Class
Saturday, March 19
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Education Center
Ages 12 or older; $40/person.
Registration required by Friday,
March 11: 630.621.5544.
We’re partnering with the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary to help boaters get
a head start on the 2016 recreation
season. “About Boating Safely” is the
most popular boating class in America.
Recent State of Illinois laws require all
boaters born after 1998 to complete
an approved boating safety course
prior to operating a motor vessel on
public waters. This eight-hour course is
NASBLA (National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators) approved.
Beekeeping: Meet
a Beekeeper
Sundays, January 3, January 10,
February 7, February 14, March
6, March 13, April 3 & April 10
12:30-3 p.m.
Plum Creek Nature Center
Free! All ages.
No registration required.
Students who successfully complete
“About Boating Safely” qualify for the
required certificate. This class is for
anyone who boats on our area’s rivers
and lakes. Educated boaters protect
their own lives and make water sports
more fun for everyone. To register, call
Bob Allen, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, at
630.621.5544. Additional information
is available at AboutBoatingSafely.com.
The Four Rivers Environmental
Education Center is accessible.
Aldo Leopold Day
Saturday, March 5
2-4 p.m.
Isle a la Cache Museum
Free! Ages 10 or older.
Registration required by Thursday,
March 3: 815.886.1467.
Founder of The Wilderness Society,
director of The Audubon Society and
all-around environmental advocate,
Aldo Leopold deserves a second look
from the perspective of the 21st
century. This program is an opportunity
to connect people to nature and to
revisit those historic ideals of Leopold.
Join us as we take a short hike at Isle
a la Cache preserve and share some
favorite quotes from A Sand County
Beekeeping: Introduction
to Beekeeping
Visit Plum Creek Nature Center the
first and second Sundays of the month
from January-April, meet with our
beekeepers and see a working bee hive
on display. Our veteran beekeepers will
be stationed at the live bee exhibit to
tell the story of our most familiar social
insect, the honeybee, and will answer
questions and chat with the public. This
program will take place in the accessible
Plum Creek Nature Center.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bonne Annee
January 8: 708.946.2216.
2-4 p.m.
Saturday, January 16
Saturday, January 2
“Introduction to Beekeeping”
provides an opportunity for those who
would like to get started in beekeeping
but don’t know where to begin. With
more than 45 years of combined
experience, guest presenters will lead
you through the lives of honeybees,
the fundamentals of beekeeping and
beekeeping tools, and a demonstration
of setting up a hive. This workshop
is presented in time for you to order
your own supplies to get started with
beekeeping this spring. For a preview
of the workshop, read First Lessons
in Beekeeping, by Keith S. Delaplane.
Books may be purchased at Plum Creek
Nature Center. This program will take
place in the accessible Plum Creek
Nature Center.
Free! All ages.
Registration required by Wednesday,
December 30: 815.886.1467.
Here in the Illinois Country in the
1700s, French-Canadian fur traders
celebrated many holidays with stories,
games, tasty treats and dancing! We’ll
honor those traditions for Bonne
Annee, or “Good (New) Year.” Make a
vintage French craft to take home as a
keepsake of this fun event and of the
new year. This program will be held
indoors in the accessible museum.
Nature Writers’ Series
An Evening with Emerson
An Evening with Thoreau
An Evening with Carson
An Evening with Audubon
7-8:30 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 7
Thursday, February 4
Thursday, March 3
Thursday, April 7
Registration required by Tuesday,
January 5: 815.886.1467.
February 2: 815.886.1467.
March 1: 815.886.1467.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was born
on May 25, 1803, in Boston. He is
considered one of the founders of
Transcendentalism. His beliefs and
writings explored the important
role of nature in getting closer to
spirituality. Join us as we get closer
to nature with a short hike at Isle
a la Cache preserve, followed by
warm drinks and toasty discussion
of one of Emerson’s works, the
essay “Nature,” which can be
accessed for free in many digital
formats at www.archive.org. This
program includes walking on
uneven, possibly snow covered
ground, followed by discussion in
the accessible museum.
Henry David Thoreau was born
on July 12, 1817, in Concord,
Massachusetts. He began writing
nature poetry in the 1840s. In
1845, he began his famous twoyear stay on Walden Pond, which
he wrote about in his master
work, Walden. Join us as we
discover our own “pond” with a
short hike around the lagoon at
Isle a la Cache, followed by warm
drinks and lively discussion on the
chapter entitled “Economy” from
Walden. The book can be accessed
for free in many digital formats
at www.archive.org. This program
includes walking on uneven,
possibly snow covered ground and
will be followed by discussion in
Biologist Rachel Carson alerted
the world to the environmental
impact of fertilizers and pesticides.
Her best-known book, Silent Spring,
led to a presidential commission
that largely endorsed her findings
and helped to shape a growing
environmental consciousness.
Carson died in 1964 and is
remembered as an early activist
who worked to preserve the world
for future generations. Join us as
we seek out a not-so-silent spring
on our grounds with a short hike at
Isle a la Cache preserve, followed by
warm drinks and group discussion
of three chapters from Silent Spring:
“The Obligation to Endure,” “One in
Every Four” and “The Other Road.”
This program includes walking on
uneven, possibly snow covered
ground, followed by discussion in
10
Registration required by Tuesday, April 5: 815.886.1467.
John James Audubon was born on April
26, 1785, in Les Cayes, Santo Domingo,
France (now Haiti). From his father’s estate
in Pennsylvania, he made the first American
bird-banding experiments. After failing
in business ventures, he concentrated on
drawing and studying birds, which took him
from Florida to Labrador. His extraordinary
four-volume Birds of America was published in
London in 1827. His name became synonymous
with birds and bird art. But Audubon was
also an extensive nature writer. Join us as
we take a short walk through Isle a la Cache
preserve, followed by refreshing drinks and
enlightening discussion of one of Audubon’s
works. Be prepared to discuss “Introduction,”
“The Prairie” and “American Goldfinch” from
Ornithological Biography, Volume 1. The book can
be accessed for free in many digital formats at
www.archive.org. This program includes walking
on uneven surfaces followed by discussion in
Saturdays, January 23, February
27, March 26 & April 23
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Rivers Environmental Education Center
is accessible. As this is a self-guided
tour, the length of the walk is up to
the individual.
for beginners, with step-by-step
instructions. Give yourself a break,
get creative and come celebrate happy
hour with others. Wine and warm
beverages will be served. Canvases and
paints will be provided. “Happy Hour
Nature Painting” will be held inside the
accessible nature center.
Goodenow Grove Earth,
Saturday, April 30
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free! Ages 15 or under.
Free! All ages.
Join us the third Saturday of the
month from January-April for “Busy
Beavers Craft Club.” Each day, we will
have a different craft set up in the
museum library for you to make and
take home. In January, make a pinecone
bird feeder. In February, try your hand
at coloring and cutting out Fur Trade
Earth Day at Thorn
themed paper dolls. In March, make a
paper version of a makuk, a type of bark Creek: Frogs and Toads
basket made by Native Americans in
and Salamanders
this area. In April, create a craft made
Saturday, April 23
out of recycled material in celebration
Noon-4 p.m.
of Earth Day. This program is offered
Thorn Creek Nature Center
indoors in the accessible museum.
Bring the family to Goodenow Grove
Nature Preserve for inspiration on how
to enjoy your backyard in a new way.
The outdoors has endless possibilities.
Join us as we reconnect with nature.
Once inspired, you will bring the ideas
you’ve picked up home with you. Learn
from the EARTH in Spot’s Nature
Playground with some fun activities
along the way. Discover simple recycling
and gardening ideas, and learn how to
compost or create a worm bin. Learn
from the WIND how to fly a kite, then
enjoy synchronized kite dancing, 90foot kites and a candy drop from the
sky with members of the Illinois Kite
Enthusiasts club. Bring your own kite
or purchase one from our kite vendor.
Professional falconers will also be on
site performing with their magnificent
birds of prey. Let the warmth of FIRE
invite you outside to our campfire
ring to learn outdoor cooking, and
join in campfire songs and games. This
day is devoted to reconnecting with
nature, and it reminds and inspires
us to celebrate Earth Day every day!
This program will take place on paved
paths or natural surfaces across
uneven terrain.
“Chili” Evening Hike
Sunday, February 21
5-7 p.m.
All Ages; $5/person.
February 19: 708.747.6320.
Let’s listen, adjust our eyes, ears
and even our walking styles to catch
a glimpse of the active lives of the
nocturnal woods! Learn which of our
winter residents are night prowlers.
After our chilly stroll we’ll warm up
with a mug of homemade Thorn Creek
chili; choose among hearth-cozy,
midnight wake-up call and barnburner intensities. Come dressed
for the weather. Participants should
be able to walk 2 miles outdoors on
natural surface trails across uneven
and possibly snow-covered terrain. The
nature center is accessible.
Free! All ages.
Earth Day at Thorn Creek Woods this
year celebrates amphibians. What kinds
of frogs and toads and salamanders
live in Thorn Creek Woods? How can
you tell the differences? Where can you
find them? And what sounds do they
make? Join us for a presentation and a
hike exploring the salamanders, frogs
and toads of Thorn Creek Woods. Lots
of fun for everyone including a raffle,
games, crafts and a bake sale. Mark
your calendars and celebrate Earth Day
at Thorn Creek Nature Center! Enjoy
a 2 mile guided hike in the woods on
natural surface trails across uneven
terrain. This event is sponsored by
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 13
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, January 14-Saturday,
January 16 & Thursday, January
28-Saturday, January 30
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Education Center
Free! All ages.
Come take a self-guided walk on
the paved paths along the Des Plaines
River while watching for American bald
eagles wintering around the preserve.
They have been spotted here for the last
several winters, and we hope you will
have a chance to see them, too! Bring
your binoculars and a camera to capture
the moment, then stop in at the Four
Rivers Environmental Education Center
for a complimentary hot beverage to
warm up. Take time to view a slideshow
and informative displays about eagles
while taking in the winter views
through the large windows surrounding
the Grand Hall. Dress for the weather
and use caution while walking outdoors
as snow and ice may be present on
paths and parking areas. The Four
Four Rivers’ Wedding
Open Houses
Thursday, January 21, 4-7
p.m. & Saturday, February 6
9 a.m.-noon
Education Center
Registration recommended: 815.722.9470
or fourrivers@fpdwc.org.
Interested in planning a wedding or
event at Four Rivers in 2017? Attend
an Open House to view the facility, to
collect information, to ask questions of
staff and to get ideas for planning an
eco-friendly celebration. View photos of
previous weddings and events held at
Four Rivers and see what a wedding setup looks like in the Illinois River Grand
Hall. Each couple will receive a goody
bag (while supplies last). Approved
caterers are invited to participate and
may be on hand to answer questions
as well. Four Rivers Environmental
Education Center is accessible.
Wednesday, January 20
7:30-9 p.m.
Monee Reservoir
Free! Ages 8 or older; children 8-17
must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Monday,
January 18: 708.534.8499.
Did you get a new telescope for
Christmas, or have one that you’re not
sure how to use? Learn how to calculate
magnification, determine telescopic
field of view, understand accessories
like eyepieces and barlow lenses
and discover a telescope’s practical
maximum magnification. Also, tips
will be provided on how to make many
inexpensive telescopes easier to use.
This program will take place inside the
accessible visitor center. If the skies are
clear, we may go outside to do some
viewing and demonstrate some of the
tips provided. There may be a short walk
over uneven ground to the viewing area
just outside the nature center.
Hugs for Hounds
Easter Egg Hunt
Free! All ages.
How to Improve Your
New Telescope
Saturday, March 26
Anyone can be part of the nationwide
GBB Count this weekend. It’s easy! Just
watch and count birds in your backyard
or on a trail, then report what you saw.
Come to the Thorn Creek Nature Center
throughout the day for help with basic
bird identifications – and tricky ones,
too - choosing binoculars, bird feeding
tips, local bird checklists and more. Join
us for Birding Hikes at 9 a.m. and noon.
Part of this program will take place
indoors in an accessible nature center.
Hiking is on natural surface trails
across uneven terrain for approximately
two miles.
Happy Hour Nature Painting
Friday, February 26
6:30-8:30 p.m.
February 19: 708.946.2216.
Make room on your wall for your
very own masterpiece! Enjoy this
adult-only program using nature as
your muse. The program will begin
by learning about the nature feature
to gain an appreciation of the subject
before painting. This program is perfect
Day-of Registration: 10:30 a.m.
Event Begins: 11 a.m.
Hammel Woods Dog Park
All ages; $5/dog.
Registration required: Visit www.
shorewoodhugs.org beginning in February
to pre-register or register at the event.
Treat Fido to a fun day outside
during the District’s canine Easter
egg hunt. Shorewood H.U.G.S., a
local organization that assists worthy
fundraising efforts, is partnering with
the Forest Preserve District to host
this event. Entry fee proceeds will
be donated toward the care, handing
and training of the Forest Preserve’s
K9 officer, Jullo. During “Hugs for
Hounds,” dogs will search for Easter
eggs filled with treats or prizes. Bring
a basket to collect the Easter eggs. A
special drawing for a variety of filled
Easter baskets will also be held, so be
sure to bring your dollars. All dogs must
be leashed and accompanied by their
owner at all times. Dog park permits are
not required to participate. The program
will be held on natural surfaces across
uneven terrain. For more information,
see the article on page 6.
11
Saturdays, January 9, February 6,
March 5 & April 2 Noon-3 p.m.
Free! Ages 9-12.
Registration required two days before
each program date: 708.747.6320.
Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve’s
Junior Ecologists Club offers fun-filled
nature activities each month for young
people. Each month, they will explore
the woods, track seasonal changes and
discover woodland plants and animals.
Participants should be prepared to get
muddy, wear boots and long pants,
and bring a water bottle and insect
repellent. Hiking is approximately 1
mile on natural surface trails across
uneven terrain.
Weekly lessons given by master birder
Sue Zelek on the key shapes, markings,
habits and songs for 70 of our most
common local birds will make spring
bird watching a snap! Price includes
a spring field trip in Thorn Creek
Woods to put your new skills to work.
This program will be held indoors in
an accessible facility. For the hike,
participants should be able to walk two
miles outdoors on natural surface trails
across uneven and possibly wet and
muddy terrain.
Musher Mania
Saturday, January 9
Noon-4 p.m.
Monee Reservoir
Free! All ages.
Maple Syrup Magic
Keep Your Eyes on the Sky
Saturday, March 5
7:30-9 p.m.
Monee Reservoir
Free! All ages.
March 3: 708.946.2216.
Free! Ages 8 or older, must be
accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Mondays, February
15, March 14 or April 11: 708.534.8499.
From the earliest times, Native
Americans and pioneers in the Midwest
made maple syrup from the sweet sap
of the sugar maple tree. Learn how it’s
made, find sugar maple trees on site,
and try some real maple syrup. History
has never been sweeter! While most of
the program will take place inside the
accessible nature center, we will also be
outdoors on uneven, natural terrain for
a portion of the program.
1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, February 17,
March 16 & April 13
The night sky is filled with interesting
objects to see, and wintertime, with
the early darkness and cold clear
skies, is a great time to view them.
This program will start indoors at the
visitor center where participants will
learn how to read and use a star chart
to find fascinating objects visible with
the naked eye, binoculars or small
telescopes. If skies are clear, telescopes
and binoculars will be on-hand to
view some of these objects. Should
the weather be uncooperative, a more
detailed indoor presentation will be
offered. Access to the viewing area
may require a short walk over uneven
ground to the viewing area just outside
the accessible nature center.
Living History
Demonstrations
Sundays, January 10, February
14, March 13 & April 10
Noon-3 p.m.
Isle la Cache Museum
Free! All ages.
A “Living History Demonstration”
is history up close and personal! On
the second Sunday of the month from
January-April, you may find potters,
cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs or
craftsmen sharing their talents at the
Isle. The Isle a la Cache Brigade is a
volunteer group that consists of reenactors representing the fur-trading
community of the 18th century.
Depending on weather, this program
will be offered indoors or outdoors.
Indoor facilities are accessible;
outdoor settings may take place on
uneven terrain.
March into Spring Hike
Sunday, April 10
1-3 p.m.
Free! All ages.
April 8: 708.747.6320.
Nature Play Days
We’ll search for vernal indicators like
wildflowers re-sprouting, tree buds
unfurling, returning migrant birds or
animals emerging from hibernation,
choruses of frogs and tender green
shoots peeking through last year’s
dead leaves. Participants should be
able to walk two miles outdoors on
natural surface trails across uneven and
possibly wet and muddy terrain.
Make a Gourd Birdhouse
Sunday, March 6
Two sessions: 1-2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.
All ages; children under age 6 should
be accompanied by an adult.
$10/birdhouse; limit one birdhouse per person.
March 4: 708.747.6320.
Learn 70 Birds by
Spring
Fridays, January 8 – March 11
6:30-7:30 p.m. and field trip
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m.-noon.
Ages 11 or older; $50 prepaid for full series.
Registration and payment by Thursday,
December 31: 708.747.6320.
Bird identification can be
overwhelming, but learning only seven
birds per week makes it fun and easy!
12
This is a fun family workshop to
create a welcoming nesting space for
birds in your own backyard. Join artist
and teacher Pat Moore to make a
natural style birdhouse from a gourd.
Birdhouses are increasingly important
to cavity nesters such as wrens and
chickadees. All materials will be
provided. This program will take place
indoors in the accessible nature center.
It’s time for everyone’s favorite
winter event! In partnership with the
Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago,
Monee Reservoir will host the 22nd
annual “Musher Mania.” Experience
the Siberian husky breed and watch
sled dog teams in action. Pull a dog
sled in the “human mushing” activity,
play on snowshoes, take a photo with
a sled dog and warm up by roasting
marshmallows over the fire or visiting
with vendors in our warming tent.
Enjoy a special viewing of Icebound: The
Greatest Dog Story Ever Told, presented
by Jagman Productions in our warming
tent. Become a musher in the “Great
Race to Nome” activity, and even pan
for gold. Weather doesn’t stop the dogs,
so don’t let it stop you from joining
us. The mushing and ice sculpting
demonstrations will take place with or
without snow. For everyone’s safety
and the safety of the sled dogs, we ask
that you please leave your own dog
at home. All of the activities are held
outside on uneven, and possibly snowcovered, ground.
Migratory Bird Hike
Saturdays, April 9 & 30
8-10 a.m.
Nature Preserve
Wednesdays, January 13,
February 10, March 9 &
April 13
10-11:30 a.m.
Free! Ages 3-5, must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required the Friday before
each program: 708.946.2216.
Join Plum Creek Nature Center
every month from January-April for
activities geared towards children ages
3-5. A new nature theme is chosen
every month with hands-on activities
including a short walk, story, games,
dancing, art and more! Be prepared
for indoor and outdoor activities.
We encourage experiencing all types
of weather, rain or shine, so please
dress accordingly. Also, this is a great
opportunity for parents and children to
meet in a natural setting to exchange
ideas and get to know each other. This
program will be held both indoors
in the accessible nature center and
outdoors on natural surfaces across
uneven terrain.
Registration required two days prior to
each program date: 815.886.1467.
Many birds use Lake Renwick to
rest and refuel during their migration.
Join us for a guided hike in search of
amazing waterfowl, eagles, songbirds
and more! Please bring binoculars. A
limited supply will be available for loan.
Also, be sure to dress for the weather.
Participants will hike up to 1.5 miles on
natural surfaces across uneven terrain.
help us educate future visitors to the
site. Then we will head outside and
Tuesday, March 22
conduct a sweep of the river shoreline
7-9 p.m.
around the Four Rivers Environmental
Education Center. It will be a day of
invigorating hard work and Earth Day
Registration required by Sunday,
enthusiasm that is sure to leave you
March 20: 708.747.6320.
with a sense of great accomplishment!
Join us for a meandering hike
Dress for the weather and for getting
through Thorn Creek Woods unraveling
dirty. Waterproof footwear is highly
some mysteries of spring. Then we’ll
recommended such as knee high
return to the nature center for a slice
rubber boots or waders. Clean-up
of homemade pie. The program will
instructions and safety equipment will
be held whatever the weather: rain,
be provided on the day of the event.
snow or moon shine. Be sure to dress
Due to the proximity to water and the
for the weather. Participants should
unpredictable nature of the debris
be prepared to walk over two miles
we will be collecting, this clean-up is
outdoors on natural surface trails across
limited to individuals 14 years of age
uneven terrain.
and older. The clean-up areas are offtrail and require walking through rough,
Recycle the Holiday Spirit
uneven terrain.
Pie in the Sky Night Hike
Night Hike: Owls
Salamander Safari
Saturday, April 2
1-3 p.m.
Free! All ages.
Come out and see our new spin
on
an old favorite! Salamanders are
Saturday, January 23
amphibians
with smooth, moist skin
4:30-6:30 p.m.
that look similar to lizards. Discover
Friday, January 1–
the details about these unique critters
Free! All ages.
Sunday, January 10
Riverview Farmstead Tour
and learn the reason for the salamander
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, April 30
January 15: 708.946.2216.
season with family friendly games,
10-11:30 a.m.
Discover the secrets that Goodenow
crafts and activities. Get up close and
Monee Reservoir
Riverview Farmstead
Grove Nature Preserve holds at night.
personal with a few of Spot’s – the
Free! All ages.
Hike with interpreters as we search for
nature center’s salamander mascot –
Sugar Creek Administration Center
the elusive winged predator, the owl.
friends and meet some critters face to
April 28: 815.886.1467.
This year, give the Earth a gift by
After the winter woodland walk, we will
face. Join interpreters for an exclusive
Discover Naperville in circa 1800 BC
recycling your Christmas tree. Every
head to the nature center to warm up
guided 1-mile walk searching for blueyear millions of Christmas trees end up (Before Congestion, that is). Riverview
next to a cozy fire and enjoy some hot
spotted salamanders off trail. Learn
in landfills. However, you can give your Farmstead is an historical island in
cocoa. Finally, we will learn about the
why their habitats are sensitive and
tree a second life by recycling it with the a land of modern suburbia. Tour the
natural history of Will County owls and
what you can do to help these amazing
grounds and learn about the Clow
Forest Preserve. Your trees will take a
why their call can be heard at this time
creatures. The walk will be held on
new life “path” by becoming mulch used family, prominent settlers in Wheatland
of year. Participants will hike on natural
natural surfaces across uneven terrain.
on our trails and for landscaping. Please Township. You will have a chance to
surface trails across uneven terrain. Be
The nature center is accessible.
remove all tinsel, lights and ornaments visit the Settlement House dating
prepared to walk 1.5 miles. Program will
back to the mid-19th century, as well
before dropping off your tree. This
be partly outdoors, so please dress for
as enter into the Limestone House,
program is for individual households;
the weather.
with its superior construction, and the
no commercial tree surplus, please.
Timber Frame Barn, one of the largest
in Wheatland Township when it was
Recycle Your Bicycle
built. An interpreter will share with
Tuesday, April 19-Sunday, May 1
you stories of this amazing family and
6 a.m.-5 p.m.
the growth of the farmstead from early
Monee Reservoir
settlement to that of a commercial farm
Free! All ages.
of over 200 acres. “Riverview Farmstead
Tour” takes place outdoors on crushed
“Recycle Your Bicycle” is designed to
limestone trails and indoors with some
practice environmental stewardship
uneven surfaces.
while helping others – what a winwin! Monee Reservoir will collect
Romantic Rendezvous
bicycles to be given to local recycling
Friday, February 12
nonprofits that refurbish them for
5-7 p.m.
youth, individuals with disabilities
and families in developing countries
as a mode of transportation. The bikes
are redistributed to people locally,
February 10: 815.886.1467.
Snowshoe under the
regionally and globally. Bikes can be in
Join us to celebrate the Patron Saint
Photography Bird Hike
any condition – brand new or beyond
of Love – 18th century style! As part
Saturday, February 13
repair. Be “green” – reduce, reuse,
Saturday, April 23
of your Valentine’s Day celebration,
6-9 p.m.
recycle! Let us be an avenue to make
8-10 a.m.
head over to Isle a la Cache Museum.
that happen and benefit someone
Infuse your evening with classic charm
in need.
Nature Preserve
by learning historic rituals from
February 11: 708.946.2216.
times gone by. Impress your partner
River
Shoreline
Clean-Up
Dinner and a movie are so passé!
with
the
latest
dance
steps
from
the
April 21: 815.886.1467.
Impress
your better half with an
1700s. Finally,
test
your
CasanovaJoin other photographers for a special Saturday, April 2
original
night
out on the town in a
worthiness
with
courtship
trivia
before
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
opportunity to view and photograph
whisking away your sweetheart for your romantic winter wonderland. Come out
the herons, egrets and cormorants at
with your sweetheart for a night full
own romantic rendezvous.
Education Center
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature
of romance, fun and snow! We’ll get
Preserve. This is the beginning of
your heart racing as we strap on some
nesting season, with hundreds of
March 30: 815.722.9470.
snowshoes and hike our trail under
nesting birds in the preserve. Share
Kick off Earth Month at a cleanthe stars. Afterward, cuddle up next to
insights into this exciting hobby with
up event along the banks of the Des
your sweetie, relax by the fire and enjoy
other like-minded shutterbugs. A Lake
Plaines River in Channahon. We will
some wine, fruit and chocolate in the
Renwick interpreter/camera buff will
be collecting small and large debris
accessible nature center. Participants
lead the group. The viewing areas are
accumulated at the water’s edge.
must be 21 years or older. This program
accessible via a limestone path.
Our efforts will help improve the
will be held both indoors in the
river ecosystem and make it more
accessible nature center and outdoors
enjoyable for all. The day will begin
on natural surfaces across uneven
inside with a hot beverage and a short
terrain. Length of the hike is up to the
presentation about the issue of trash
individual participants, who can return
in area waterways and around the
to the nature center when they wish.
world. You will also find out how your
efforts, and the trash you gather, will
13
Spring Clean Up Day at
Thorn Creek Woods
Sunday, March 13
Noon-4 p.m.
make a mini three sisters’ garden to
take home. Depending on the weather,
“Super Seeds” will take place indoors in
the accessible museum and outdoors on
natural surfaces on uneven terrain.
Free! All ages; children under 15 must
be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Thursday, March 10
for groups of 6 people or more: 708.747.6320.
The Amazing Life and Many
Names of Gurdon Hubbard
Shake the winter blahs and come
help in the annual spring cleaning of
Thorn Creek Nature Center. There will
be indoor and outdoor work to be done
in preparation for the season. Bring
a lunch and gloves and dress for the
weather. Refreshments will be provided.
Part of this program will be held indoors
in the accessible nature center. Outdoor
work will be on natural surface trails
across uneven terrain.
2-4 p.m.
February 26: 815.886.1467.
8:30-10:30 a.m.
April 15: 708.946.2216.
Tracking Animals in Winter
Sunday, April 17
“Take only pictures and leave only
footprints!” We will start the program
indoors to briefly learn what seasonal
changes and other nature notes are
happening in Goodenow Grove Nature
Preserve. Then enjoy a hike with an
interpreter and take photos along the
way. “Spring Nature Photography” is
recommended for beginners and for
any camera from smart phones through
digital SLRs. The program will focus on
technique and composition, not camera
operation. Please dress for the weather;
part of the program will take place
outdoors. The indoor nature center is
accessible; outdoor settings may take
place on natural surfaces across uneven
terrain. Length of the hike will depend
on the interests of participants.
Sunday, February 7
1-3 p.m.
Free! All ages.
February 5: 708.747.6320.
How do animals survive winter’s
chills? What adaptations have they
developed to keep warm and find food?
We’ll put ourselves in the paws of Thorn
Creek’s woodland creatures and follow
the trails in search of tracks and other
spoor. After the hike, we’ll make plaster
cast tracks to take home. Participants
should be prepared for the cold weather
and be able to walk 1 mile outdoors
on uneven and possibly snow-covered
terrain. If weather is inclement, this
program will still take place inside the
accessible nature center.
Tuesday, January 12Sunday, January 17 &
Tuesday, February 16Sunday, February 21
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monee Reservoir
Winter Wonder Walk
Ages 7 or older; children must be accompanied
by an adult; $10 snowshoe rental.
7-8 p.m.
Monee Reservoir is providing an
incentive to get out of the house and
try snowshoeing! Rent one pair and
get a second for free! Come out and
bring a friend to experience a wintry
hike in the Forest Preserve. There are
over two miles of trails to explore and
enjoy. Once you arrive back at the
concessions building, receive a free large
steaming hot chocolate for every pair of
snowshoes rented. Please dress for the
weather and be prepared to snowshoe
on natural surface trails across uneven
terrain. The snowshoe rental fee is $10
per pair all day long with a $10 cash
deposit and a valid driver’s license.
Saturday, April 16
2-3:30 p.m.
Free! Ages 5-15, must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Saturday,
April 9: 815.886.1467.
Have you ever noticed some seeds
fly like helicopters or stick like Velcro?
In our “Super Seeds” program, learn
all about seeds, where they come from
and how they move. Learn about wild
seeds and the plants Native Americans
grew for food in their three sisters’
garden. We will plant some seeds to
14
Saturday, April 16
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monee Reservoir
Free! All ages.
Have you ever wanted to try fishing,
but you weren’t sure where to start?
Monee Reservoir is giving you the
opportunity to come out and try it
for free! Dabble with different lures,
practice casting, and learn basic skills
and techniques to see if fishing is right
for you! Safety and ethics are also
January 22: 815.886.1467.
Join us for a winter wonder walk
as we explore Isle a la Cache preserve
after dark. Take a guided walk around
the island and along the beautiful Des
Plaines River. We hope to see or hear
some wildlife along the way as we enjoy
the tranquil winter scenery. Please dress
for the weather, including walking in
snowy areas. “Winter Wonder Walk” is
offered outside on uneven terrain. The
walk is about 1 mile in length.
Woodcock Walk
Saturday, March 19
Registration required by Thursday, March 17.
Wednesday Morning Walkers
Wednesdays, March 2- April 27
9-10:30 a.m.
Follow the forest’s seasonal changes,
enjoy light exercise and experience
nature firsthand on 2 miles of Thorn
Creek Woods Nature Preserve’s winding
trails. Trails can be wet or muddy,
so please wear sturdy shoes. Hiking
is on natural surface trails across
uneven terrain.
Try it! Fishing Day
Wednesday, January 27
Monee Reservoir
6:30-8 p.m.
Registration required two days before
your first walk: 708.747.6320.
Super Seeds
storytelling, and individuals can create
their own legend (if the person isn’t
a legend already). Museum facilities
are accessible; outdoor settings will
take place on natural surfaces across
uneven terrain.
Sunday, February 28
Historian A.T. Andreas once wrote
of Gurdon Staltonstall Hubbard, “Only
a single man became identified with
the modern commerce and trade of the
city, who had been connected with the
Indian traffic which centered in Chicago
in the earlier times.” Hubbard’s life
spanned the time from when Illinois
became a state in 1818 to the 1880s
when Chicago’s population was nearing
one million. Hubbard helped realize
Louis Jolliet’s vision of a canal and
established Chicago as the marketplace
of the Midwest. Gary Mechanic, veteran
tour guide and storyteller for Friends
of the Chicago Portage, will illuminate
the intertwined threads of Hubbard’s
life, the Chicago Portage, the I&M Canal
and Chicago’s development from “four
and a half cabins and a Potawatomi
town” to one of the greatest cities in
history. This program takes place inside
Spring Nature Photography
covered. Participants will gain handson experience while fishing along the
sea wall. Everything needed to fish,
including bait, is provided. Shoreline
fishing and sidewalks are paved and
accessible for participants.
Winter Stories & Games
Thursday, March 24
6:30-8 p.m.
Free! All ages.
March 22: 815.886.1467.
Winter weather and cabin fever
will be distant memories after you
join us for this program! We’ll be
sharing some traditional French &
Woodland Indian games indoors
(and outdoors, hopefully) to warm
you up. Our group will share some
As the sun sets, the male woodcock
makes his way to the edge of the field
and prepares for his extraordinary
courtship performance. Normally
timid and elusive, the woodcock is
readily observed during the early spring
breeding season when he leaves the
safety and cover of the forest to attract
a mate. Spend the first part of the
evening learning about the American
woodcock, and then hike to watch for
the courtship flight of the male. There
will be a short walk from the Monee
Reservoir Visitor Center to the viewing
area over paved and natural surfaces.
Please dress warmly for the weather.
Woods Music
Friday, March 18
7-9 p.m.
Registration and payment required by
Wednesday, March 16: 708.747.6320.
As spring begins, come celebrate the
woods with music. With the generous
donation of the musicians’ time and
expertise, all proceeds will benefit
Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve.
Refreshments will be provided. This
program will be held indoors in an
accessible facility. Advance registration
strongly recommended. n
Volunteer Spotlight
The Forest Preserve District is proud to honor volunteer
Barb Ferry, who this year will be completing 14 years of
service with the District.
Ferry wears many hats as a volunteer, working with
resource management volunteers as a monitor of wildlife
and at special events such as “Island Rendezvous” held each
June and “Howloween Hoopla” in October, and in whatever
other capacity she is needed and can best serve.
She always has a smile and is very positive in her
Barb Ferry, shown dressed in
volunteering role. She is a Jacqueline (Jack) of many trades
period clothing at the Forest
and talents. Ferry serves on the planning team for the
Preserve’s annual “Island
Volunteer Banquet, helping to come up with themes and
Rendezvous,” has assisted the
ideas for decorations and centerpieces as well as working
District as a dedicated volunteer
that evening in welcoming other volunteers.
for the last 14 years.
She is an active member of the District’s Volunteer
Recruitment Specialists Team and works diligently in assisting prospective volunteers toward
selecting the right areas in which to share their talents and skills. She also knows when to just
invite these individuals to the District’s events and volunteering experiences so that they can
see what volunteers do first hand.
Ferry has written articles and contributed photos for the volunteer newsletter, the Helping
Hands. Her photos have also been used by the District in a number of other promotional
pieces. She has assisted with clerical duties in the District’s Resource Management Section,
and has regularly provided support for the annual ShareFest event and for National Public
Lands Day.
From working an information booth to taking photos at a special event, Ferry is always willing to
lend a hand. The District is truly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers such as Barb Ferry. n
Campground Hosting
Do you have a working knowledge of outdoor recreation and some camping experience?
Do you possess good communication skills and enjoy working with youth and their adult
leaders? Then becoming a campground host could be the perfect fit for you or your family.
Hosts provide assistance and support to campground guests, and can work effectively with
minimal supervision. Training is offered prior to your first experience as a campground
host. A minimum of three weekends per camping season is required. On-site orientation
and training will be held at the Environmental Learning Center in Mokena on Wednesday,
March 9 from 6-8 p.m. or Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m.-noon. A completed application
must be submitted prior to training. For more information, call 815.722.7364 or email
rgauchat@fpdwc.org. n
IAPD Award Winner
Congratulations to District volunteer Aura Duke, who
was recognized recently by the Illinois Association of
Park Districts (IAPD) during its Best of the Best Gala.
Duke was named an “Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of
the Year” at this ceremony, held in October. (See article
on page 3.)
She has been active with Thorn Creek Audubon for
almost 25 years and during that time she has been, and
still is, one of its most reliable and dedicated bluebird
volunteers. She is involved in two very important
bluebird trails in Will County: The first at Monee
Reservoir and the other at Goodenow Grove Nature
Preserve. Monitoring is conducted on a weekly basis
beginning in mid-March, or when bluebirds are first
observed in the area, and continues through the second and/or third brood seasons (to as
late as mid-August). Monitoring activities include mapping and numbering the location
of all nest boxes on an appropriate site map, procuring the minimum required data at
specified intervals and submitting an annual report providing the results. The monitor
must, minimally, record the species using each box, number of eggs laid, number of eggs
hatched, number of young fledged, and the dates/periods that each of these stages occur.
At the end of the nesting season, the data and a brief written summary is provided to the
District’s natural resource managers.
Her commitment and ongoing support of the District is invaluable and most deserving
of this recognition. n
Volunteers Needed for
Musher Mania 2016
Mark your calendars to start the new year by helping at
everyone’s favorite winter event! The 22nd annual “Musher
Mania” will be held from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, at
Monee Reservoir. Those interested in volunteering must fill out
an application and participate in an interview and background
check, followed by an orientation and trainings, so please do not
hesitate if you are interested in taking part. “Musher Mania” is
an outdoor event, and volunteering can be a family opportunity.
Those interested in attending the event to observe others
volunteering to determine if it’s an experience they would enjoy
are invited also. The Forest Preserve District, in partnership with
the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago, will make this a
fun-filled day. For more information, call 815.722.7364 or email
rgauchat@fpdwc.org. n
Resource Management
Volunteer Workdays
Winter is well underway, which means it is that time of year to
control woody invasive species. Resource Management Volunteer
Workdays offer just that opportunity, so dress warmly and come out
to help. Workdays are held from 8 a.m.-noon. Please RSVP by calling
815.722.7364 or emailing rgauchat@fpdwc.org.
Sunday, January 17 Sugar Creek Administration Center (Joliet)
Monday, January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday,
Theodore Marsh (Crest Hill)
Sunday, January 24 Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve (Beecher)
Sunday, February 14 Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve (Lockport)
Sunday, February 28 Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory
Creek Junction (Mokena)
Saturday, March 5 Hammel Woods (Shorewood)
Sunday, March 6 Keepataw Preserve (Lemont)
Saturday, March 12 Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve (Lockport)
Sunday, March 13 Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory
Creek Barrens (New Lenox)
Saturday, April 2 Kankakee Sands Preserve –
Shenk Grove (Braidwood)
Saturday, April 9
Messenger Woods Nature
Preserve (Homer Glen)
Sunday, April 10 Romeoville Prairie Nature
Preserve (Romeoville)
Saturday, April 30 Earth Day Workday, Goodenow Grove
Nature Preserve (Beecher) n
Lake Renwick 2016
Programming Season
Volunteers are gearing up for the 2016 season at Lake Renwick
Preserve. Interpreters complete training in April and will be ready to
greet visitors starting Wednesday, May 4, when programming takes
place from 10-11 a.m. The first Saturday of the season will be May 7,
with volunteers welcoming the public from 8 a.m.-noon. This schedule
continues through mid-August, with hundreds of visitors making the
trek to the observation area.
Visitors and volunteers aren’t the only ones making their way back
to the site. In many of the more than 20 years that Lake Renwick has
been open, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls have nested on
the property – often in the woods south of the observation area. For a
few years, red-tailed hawks would raise young in a sturdy nest, only to
have it taken over by great horned owls in a future year. This cycle has
repeated itself over and over again and volunteers are always happy to
see the young of that year’s current occupant.
More recently, a pair of great horned owls has nested on the artificial
structure built to increase nesting spots for the water bird population
at the lake. This adaptation has created quite a stir among observers.
Sometimes the owls nest on a horizontal platform; other times on the
angled supports under a platform. Either way, watching for this yearly
event or waiting to see if one or two owlets show their fuzzy heads has
become great sport!
Lake Renwick volunteer and photographer Joel Craig has documented
this occurrence over the past three years and has treated us with good
views of the nest’s occupants. Visitors are always welcome at Lake
Renwick during programming times. You just never know “whoooo”
might show up! If you are interested in becoming a Lake Renwick
volunteer, call 815.722.7364 or email rgauchat@fpdwc.org. n
15
Board of Commissioners
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
Joseph M. Babich
Steve Balich
Darren Bennefield
Herbert Brooks, Jr.
Liz Collins
Mark Ferry
Mike Fricilone
Gretchen Fritz
Donald Gould
Kenneth E. Harris
Robert Howard
Charles E. Maher
Donald A. Moran
Annette Parker
Elizabeth J. Rice
Cory Singer
PAID
Lauren Staley-Ferry
Jacqueline Traynere
Ray Tuminello
Tom Weigel
Stephen M. Wilhelmi
Denise E. Winfrey
JOLIET, ILLINOIS
PERMIT NO. 168
17540 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, Illinois 60433
Suzanne Hart – President
Ragan Freitag – Vice President
James G. Moustis – Treasurer
Judy Ogalla – Secretary
Marcella M. DeMauro – Executive Director
Address Service Requested
The Citizen is published quarterly by the Forest Preserve
District of Will County. To receive this free publication, call
815.727.8700. Photo credits: Sarah Agent, Laura Brogdon,
Bob Bryerton, Alan Bulava, Joel Craig, Paul Dacko, Morgan Drdak,
Lee Ecker, Joan Fasanella, Barb Ferry, Glenn P. Knoblock, Suzy
Lyttle, Ron Molk, NeriPhoto, Lorenzo Pesce, Joe Ruskowsky,
John Tierney, Christine Von Gruppenviking
FREE
EVENT
Celebrate winter
and come out to
Musher
Mania 2016
Saturday, January 9
Monee Reservoir, Monee
Noon-4 p.m.
This family friendly event is an afternoon devoted to “mushing,” the sport of dog sled racing.
The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago is once again partnering with the Forest Preserve
to feature these well-trained, beautiful huskies in their natural environment of cold and snow.
• Mushing Demonstrations
• Photos with Sled Dogs
• Showing of the Film
Icebound: The Greatest Dog
Story Ever Told
16
• “Great Race to
Nome” Activity
• Ice Sculpting
Demonstrations
• Panning for Gold
“Musher Mania” will be held with or without snow.
Wheeled sleds will be used in the event of no snow cover.
For safety purposes, please do not bring your own dog to
the program.
For more information, see the article on page 4 of this
issue of The Citizen. “Musher Mania” will be held on
uneven, and possibly snow-covered, ground.

The Citizen Newsletter: 2016 January-April

Transcription

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