Enjoy a shared love of reading and birds as we discuss this book by Priyanka Kumar.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045
From West Cook Wild Ones:
Find out how to turn your parkway/hellstrip, also known as that dried out, compacted narrow bit of land between the sidewalk and the road into a gardening opportunity! Two experienced native plant gardeners will give you a virtual guided tour of their stunning parkway gardens and share tips, challenges and successes in turning this challenging area into habitat.
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.
If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov
From Oak Park Public Library:
Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.
In The Overstory by Richard Powers, an air force loadmaster in the Vietnam War is shot out of the sky, then saved by falling into a banyan. An artist inherits a hundred years of photographic portraits, all of the same doomed American chestnut. A hard-partying undergraduate in the late 1980s electrocutes herself, dies, and is sent back to life by creatures of air and light. A hearing-and speech-impaired scientist discovers that trees are communicating with one another. These four, and five other strangers—each summoned in different ways by trees—are brought together in a last and violent stand to save the continent's few remaining acres of virgin forest.
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join a lively discussion of '“An Immense World” by Ed Yong, about animal senses. In partnership with Forest Park Public Library. Ages 18 & up.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/ET19A1pFf6iydW5Q9.
Zoom Presentation
Camilo de Castro, Brad Allgood/2023/80 min/Conservation, Climate, Justice, Food & Agriculture, Historical Perspectives, People & Cultures, Wildlife
FILM DESCRIPTION: Nicaragua is facing an escalating crisis. Illegal cattle ranchers and miners are decimating the Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve — one of the last remaining rainforests in Central America. Climate change and deforestation are leading to destruction of biodiversity and traditional ways of life. Commodities produced on illegally converted lands are finding their way to unsuspecting consumers in the US and other major markets. The indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples are addressing the threat head on—fighting back to protect their territory and way of life and is on Leonardo DiCaprio’s list five environmental documentaries people should watch.
Virtual Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patrol-virtual-watch-party-tickets-858502342617
Young environmentalists, join us for 7 award-winning short films and discussion, where we'll get loud about our planet! We'll also settle in to contemplate and celebrate the power of creativity, art, and nature. Enjoy healthy snacks and activities.
Oak Park Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmaker-voices-for-families-with-kids-age-7-to-12-tickets-858513816937?aff=oddtdtcreator
Austin Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmaker-voices-for-families-with-kids-age-7-to-12-austin-tickets-872912804697
From West Cook Wild Ones: 2024 will be a unique year as the 17-year periodical cicada will be emerging throughout northern Illinois. This is a short, but very interesting entomological event worth enjoying. In this presentation we will discuss the fascinating biology and feeding habits of the periodical cicada, egg laying preferences, susceptible woody plant species, and potential for damage to young trees and shrubs, and natural pruning of mature trees. Practical management methods will be presented for both members of the green industry and homeowners.
Get Tickets: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/the-periodical-cicada-coming-to-a-neighborhood-near-you
From Oak Park Public Library:
Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History”. Listen to stories of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.”
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/GcRGRXxaoJYTeW6n9.
From Oak Park Public Library:
Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held the last Wednesday of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.
Islands of Abandonment: nature rebounding in the post-human landscape by Cal Flyn explores the places where nature is flourishing in our absence. Flyn visits the eeriest and most desolate places on Earth that due to war, disaster, disease, or economic decay, have been abandoned by humans. What she finds every time is an "island" of teeming new life: nature has rushed in to fill the void faster and more thoroughly than even the most hopeful projections of scientists. The book is a tour through these new ecosystems, in all their glory, as sites of unexpected environmental significance, where the natural world has reasserted its wild power and promise.
Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/earth-lounge-environmental-book-club-islands-abandonment-60941
From Oak Park Public Library:
The documentary The March of the Penguins will be the feature for the theme of water. (80 minutes) (2005)
In the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins to find the perfect mate and start a family. This courtship will begin with a long journey—a journey that will take them hundreds of miles across the continent by foot, one by one in a single file. They will endure freezing temperatures, in brittle, icy winds and through deep, treacherous waters. They will risk starvation and attack by dangerous predators, under the harshest conditions on earth, all to find true love.
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Learn about the many benefits to you and to the environment of gardening using native plants in a Conservation@Home Zoom presentation. Get your questions ready.
Registration Required: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Learn the basics of bird identification, including the lingo birders use to describe birds and how to identify birds using size and shape.
Registration Required at https://babb2024-3.eventbrite.com/
From West Cook Wild Ones:
Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails" with Cindy Crosby, author, educator and speaker extraordinaire on Sunday February 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).
Hear the story of how Illinois' original garden—the tallgrass prairie—has been shaped by bison. Learn how these charismatic megafauna are being restored to Illinois prairies. Listen to tales of their connections—both historical and contemporary—to some Native American tribes. Then, delight in discovering the ways bison have been portrayed in music, literature, art and popular culture as you view beautiful images of these fascinating creatures.
This presentation will not be recorded. Please register only if you can attend the live Zoom session on Sunday, February 18.
Speaker Bio:
Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History” (Northwestern University Press, 2020). Her recent full-color book of photographs and essays is “Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit” with co-author Thomas Dean (2019). She is also the author of “The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction” (Northwestern University Press, 2017).
Cindy earned her master’s degree in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is a Master Gardener, a steward for the Schulenberg Prairie at The Morton Arboretum and at Nachusa Grasslands, a NatureConservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, IL. When she's not working in her garden, she speaks and teaches on natural history topics in the Chicago region. Cindy blogs each week at Tuesdays in the Tallgrass on Wordpress, and you can find her classes and events at www.cindycrosby.com.
Register here: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/bison-tales-and-tallgrass-trails-08c7d2154cc9
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Discover how to make your yard and home bird friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.
Registration Required: Register at https://babb2024-2.eventbrite.com
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join other adults for a lively discussion of this fascinating bestselling book. This evening program will be held at our partner’s facility, the Forest Park Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.
Register: https://fppl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=20988
From West Cook Wild Ones:
Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in the next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson.
Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change. Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening’s positive impact on the environment and our future.
Lorraine Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. She is a community activist and advocates for protecting, supporting, and growing the urban forest. Johnson is a former president of the North American Native Plant Society and served on the national board of Wild Ones.
Johnson is the author or editor of 14 books, including City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing and Tending the Earth: A Gardener’s Manifesto. Her most recent book was coauthored by Sheila Colla, A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators.
Through her books, articles, presentations, and community projects, she strives to advance the understanding that everything and everyone is connected and that, through our actions, we all have a role to play in making this world a better place for all life.
Register here: https://wildones.org/webinar-cultivating-change-with-lorraine-johnson-on-january-25th-at-6-pm-cst/
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
This program is great for beginners who want to learn about building a birding kit, techniques and finding resources.
Registration Required: Register at https://babb2024-1.eventbrite.com/
From Oak Park Library:
Naturalist Leslie Shad will share ways to enjoy your garden and help nature tuck in for the winter. Topics covered will include: native plants with winter aesthetic interest, winter food for birds, and learning who is overwintering in your garden (especially insects). Presentatlon will be followed by a Q & A.
Leslie Shad is focused on a sustainable future for people and wild things. She founded and leads Natural Habitat Evanston, and serves on the board of Citizens’ Greener Evanston. She formerly served on boards including National Wildlife Federation. Natural Habitat Evanston is an all-volunteer effort to encourage habitat for nature and people, and to change the culture of lawns. Personally, Leslie and her husband are working to restore forested wetlands in Northwest Indiana.
Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/virtual-winter-garden-how-overwinter-joy-and-meaning-58436
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people and, most importantly, birds are minimally impacted during your trip. Zoom presentation.
Registration Required: Register at https://babbethics.eventbrite.com/
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.
Registration Required: Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-better-birder-tips-for-learning-to-identify-bird-sounds-tickets-629237776127.
If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov
From Goethe-Institut Chicago:
The Goethe-Institut Chicago is hosting "Land in Common", an interdisciplinary symposium on land justice, on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., in collaboration with the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
Topics include the ideological underpinnings of the idea of ‘the commons’ and its application in Europe and the US; how urban farms become microcosms for new social worlds; and how civil rights law can combat environmental racism.
The event will conclude with a plant and seed swap, and is free and open to the public. Dinner and drinks available for purchase on-site at The Plant, including Heffer BBQ at Whiner Beer Co.'s Taproom and MeetStop by Ste. Martaen's vegan comfort food.
Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/land-in-common-tickets-745507441827
From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Registration Required: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join us at Trailside to discuss “The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery. For adults,
Registration Required: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.
From Oak Park Public Library:
Join us for an artist talk and panel discussion to learn more about The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) and Lindsay's Olson's work as their first-ever artist in residence! Presentation to be followed by a Q&A session and closing reception in the Main Library Gallery.
See the exhibit October 10-November 11
All around the world, wetlands support a tremendous diversity of plants and wildlife. These ecosystems also improve water quality, reduce erosion and flood damage, and even sequester carbon dioxide. But they continue to be degraded and drained at an alarming rate. Restoring these valuable, often-overlooked ecosystems is the work of The Wetlands Initiative (TWI). As their first artist in residence, artist Lindsay Olson draws inspiration from the funeral regalia of ancient Egypt, specifically, the fresh floral collars buried in the tomb of King Tutankhamun that have survived for thousands of years. These funeral collars were symbols of life death and rebirth. The metaphor of a collar also can be seen as a broken circle. Humans have forever interrupted the natural processes of wetlands. Wetland restoration is a way to reverse some of the damage caused and return these parcels of land into beautiful, functional wetlands again. Using various textile processes, Olson has created art that helps explain to the public the science, process, benefits, and joys of restored wetlands.
Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/artist-talk-and-panel-discussion-our-once-and-future-wetlands-art-ecology-and-engineering
From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:
On Saturday, Nov. 4, watch 6 short, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest honorable mention films from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT, take a half hour break, and then see 6 more films from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CDT. We will hear from each filmmaker before their film screens.
Free tickets: https://contesthonmention1.eventbrite.com
Elementary School
1) “Lost But Not Forgotten (4 min)” by Scott Lee from Georgia.
2) “The Salt Solution (5 min)” by Hasan Muhammad from Illinois
Middle School
3) “Invasive Fish in the DesPlaines River (3 min)” by Andrew Thomas Older from Illinois
4) “A Reason for Hope (5 min)” by Mason Mirabile of Virginia
High School
5) “Voices of the Water (8 min)” by Jenny Kim Ha Vu from Virginia
6) “Expedition (3 min)” by Milo Smith, Matthew Wilson, Romeo Keyser from Michigan
From Climate Ready COOP:
Oak Park Fall Tree Stroll will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, on the 100 S. Scoville block. Learn about our trees and do bark rubbings. Bike, roll, or walk to this event to get a prize.
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjk8vrcravq48igiOL96RHkRukapF1urG42RLswP5OSE5gbQ/viewform
From Oak Park Public Library:
Join us for a presentation about the harmful effects of light pollution on wildlife and human health, and what you and your local government can do to reduce the impacts.
About the presenter
Robert Sullivan is a visual resource scientist specializing in scenic resource management who worked for 30 years in the Environmental Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory. In addition to designing visual resource management methods, systems, and guidance for U.S. federal agencies, he also developed best management practices for reducing impacts from artificial light at night. He currently works as a private consultant, and uses his expertise in horticulture and landscape architecture in a volunteer capacity to manage a rooftop pollinator garden and other green spaces at the Center on Halsted in Chicago.
From West Cook Wild Ones:
Please join West Cook Wild Ones for "The Nighttime Marathon of Birds" with Edward Warden, urban naturalist and President of Chicago Ornithological Society.
Daytime is easily when we notice birds the most. From the dawn chorus to spectacular colors that shine in the sunlight, it's easy to associate birds with the daylight hours. But during migration season, nighttime is one of the most critical periods of the day when it comes to survival. Join us for a program where we explore the phenomenon of nighttime migration, what we know about it, why it matters, and how we can help conserve birds even while we sleep.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nighttime-marathon-of-birds-tickets-716108639217?aff=oddtdtcreator
Speaker Bio
Edward is a lifelong Chicago resident and urban naturalist. He works across the Chicago region to foster community around and appreciation for the urban environment through the use of stewardship, social media, and interpretive techniques. He is currently the Stewardship Program Manager at the Chicago Park District and serves as President of the Chicago Ornithological Society.
Chicago Ornithological Society is an all volunteer run organization at the forefront of all things birds in the second city since 1912. From expert guided trips to cutting edge science to avenues for action, we bring together bird enthusiasts of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds to share our love of birds and further their conservation. You can follow COS on Facebook or Instagram
From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-better-birder-birding-and-technology-tickets-629232650797
From West Cook Wild Ones:
Please join us for "Go Wild for Bats!" with Dr. Joy O'Keefe, assistant professor at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign and Wildlife Extension Specialist.
Learn about the bats of Illinois and Cook County, including steps you can take to provide habitat for bats in your backyard or neighborhood. Understand threats to bats and simple ways you can help to protect your local bat populations. Hear about the international effort to count and monitor bats across North America and how to get involved with this program.
Wild Ones hint: Yes, native plants, trees and shrubs can help!
Speaker Bio:
Dr. O’Keefe is an assistant professor and wildlife extension specialist in natural resources and environmental sciences at University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. She has been studying bats for 23 years. Her research program tackles applied questions and yields solutions to conservation challenges facing imperiled bat populations.
Banner photo image: O'Keefe Lab
From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:
The Earth needs a makeover and these young filmmakers will provide their tips on the best ways to improve the health of the planet. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the Global Contest Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.
Film details forthcoming
Doors open 11 a.m. for check-in/registration
Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Program ends 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Free popcorn
Free beverage
Register in person: https://oneearthyfcawardsinperson.eventbrite.com
Register online: https://oneearthyfcawardsvirtual.eventbrite.com
Since 2013, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest has awarded over 100 prizes to short environmental films from youth age 25 down to 3rd grade. A jury of 31 environmental and film professionals selected the final, top films from among 403 submissions around the world in this first year as a global, rather than national contest. Each film is 1 to 8 minutes long and ranges from animation to live action to documentary.
Thank you to our illustrious jury: Deborah Adelman, Felice Bassuk, Amy Brinkman, Kathleen Brennan, Laurie Casey, Hussain Currimbhoy, Lisa Daleiden-Brugman, Steve Cohen, Layla Dade, Mary Ford, Sophia Fowler, Monica Fox, Paula Froehle, Bill Gee, Jim Gill, Kathryn Hempel, Patrick Thomas Keen, Adrija Kundu, Angelo Lavel, William Kim Lyons, Jennifer Maiotti, Jonathan Moeller, Julie Moller, Elaine Petkovsek, James Rohn, Vicky Solano, Jessie Wahlers, Karen Weigert, Risé Sanders-Weir, Marc Wellin, and Gary Wilson.
