Greenways partner events throughout McLean County
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2023
JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 28, 2023 @ 8-9:30
Location: Ewing Park II (1001 Eithell Parkway Bloomington IL)
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 27, 2023 @ 8AM
Location: ParkLands Foundation Merwin Preserve North Gate on Clarksville Road (2650 N) with leader Dr. Pirmin Nietlisbach
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 20, 2023 @ 8AM
Location: Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington)
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Native Plant Sale
Native Plant Sale
May 20, 2023 @ 8AM-1PM
Location: White Oak Township Community Building. 202 Lincoln St N, Carlock IL 61725
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 14, 2023 @8:30
Location: Fraker Farm. 2226 County Road 375N. Carlock IL.
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 13, 2023 @ 8AM
Location: Ewing Park. 1001 Ethell Parkway Bloomington. Leaders Dr. Given Harper & Michael Retter.
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Backyard Habitats
Backyard Habitats
May 8, 2023 @ 7-8:30PM
Location: Mennonite Church of Normal. 805 S Cottage Ave. Normal IL. Live Stream available.
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
May 7, 2023 @ 2PM
Location: Hidden Creek. 100 W. Sycamore. Normal. Leaders: Lenore Sobota & Mercy & Bill Davison
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Tree Corps
Tree Corps
May 2023
Help the Ecology Action Center and local partners plant 10,000 trees in 2023 to reduce air pollution, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, improve watershed protection, and much more!
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Earth Care Fair
Earth Care Fair
April 30, 2023 11AM-1PM
Location: Second Presbyterian Church. 404 N Prairie Bloomington IL
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
JWP Spring Bird Walk
April 29, 2023 @ 8AM
Location: Ewing Park. 1001 Ethell Parkway Bloomington. Leaders: Dave & Bode Thompson
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Celebrate Trails Day
Celebrate Trails Day
April 22, 2023 at 11AM
Meet at Underwood Park - Shelter off Linden Ave. Helmets are required.
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What kills the buzz in the meadow?
What kills the buzz in the meadow?
April 10, 2023 @ 7-8:30PM
Location: Mennonite Church of Normal. 805 S Cottage Ave. Normal IL
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Jennifer Kuroda
Jennifer Kuroda
April 6, 2023 @ 7PM
Location: Room C101 at Center for Natural Sciences (CNS), Illinois Wesleyan University, 201 Beecher Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Parking is available in the lot north of the CNS.
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Dr. Ebony Murrell
Dr. Ebony Murrell
March 23, 2023 @ 7PM
Location: Room C101 at Center for Natural Sciences (CNS), Illinois Wesleyan University, 201 Beecher Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Parking is available in the lot north of the CNS.
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The Pollinator Victory Garden
The Pollinator Victory Garden
March 13, 2023 @ 7-8:30PM
Virtual Event. Register in advanced!
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The Magic Stump - A Documentary about raptors in Central IL
The Magic Stump - A Documentary about raptors in Central IL
March 7, 2023 @ 7PM
Location: Normal Theater. 209 W North St. Normal IL.
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A Backyard Prairie: What is a Backyard Prairie and Lessons Learned
A Backyard Prairie: What is a Backyard Prairie and Lessons Learned
February 13, 2023 @ 7-8:30PM
Virtual Event: Register in advance!
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JWP Audubon Bird Photography Exhibit
JWP Audubon Bird Photography Exhibit
January 11 - February 28, 2023
Normal Public Library: 206 W. College Ave. Normal 61761
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2022
Dr. Auriel Fournier Presentation
Dr. Auriel Fournier Presentation
November 29, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Event Location: IWU Room C101 at the Center for Natural Science (CNS) 201 Beecher St. Bloomington
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Route 66 Trail Tree Planting
October 28 8:30AM-12:30PM
The Friends of the Constitution Trail and the Ecology Action Center are teaming up for a Tree Corps planting project along the Constitution Trail/Route 66 Bike Route.
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Autumn Celebration
October 22 10AM-4PM
Come celebrate Autumn for the first time in 2 years at Sugar Grove Nature Center!
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Bird Walk at The Grove Park
Bird Walk at The Grove Park
October 15 @ 8:30AM
Meet at Benjamin Elementary School (6006 Ireland Grove Rd. Bloomington)
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Illinois Pioneer Prairie Cemeteries
October 10, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Many small high-quality examples currently exist in pioneer cemetery prairies and some are protected as Illinois Nature Preserves. Learn about this priceless component of Illinois’ natural heritage in this program by botanist Chris Benda.
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Nature Trails Day at Sugar Grove
Nature Trails Day at Sugar Grove
September 17, 2022 10AM-3PM
Event Location: Sugar Grove Nature Center
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Hummingbird Festival at Sugar Grove
Hummingbird Festival at Sugar Grove
September 3, 2022 10AM-2PM
Event Location: Sugar Grove Nature Center
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Shawnee Showdown at the Normal Theater
Shawnee Showdown at the Normal Theater
August 31, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Event Location: Normal Theater. Special Q & A after the movie with Sam Stearns and John Wallace.
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Arts' Fair at Sugar Grove
August 20, 2022 10AM-2PM
Event Location: Sugar Grove Nature Center
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Hidden Creek Bird Walk
Hidden Creek Bird Walk
July 16, 2022 @ 7:30 AM
Event Location: Hidden Creek. 100 W Sycamore Normal IL 61761
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Maxwell Park Bird Walk
Maxwell Park Bird Walk
July 9, 2022 @ 7:30 AM
Event Location: Maxwell Park Pavilion. 307 N Parkside Rd Normal IL 61761
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
May 22, 2022 @ 2PM
Event Location: Merwin Parklands Foundation. 2650 North Rd. Lexington
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
May 21, 2022 @ 8AM
Event Location: Ewing Park. 1001 Ethell Parkway Bloomington IL 61701
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Wild Ones Native Plant Sale
Wild Ones Native Plant Sale
May 21, 2022 @ 8AM-1PM
Event Location: Township Community Building. 202 N Lincoln St. Carlock
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
May 15, 2022 @ 2:00PM
Event Location: Hidden Creek Park (100 W Sycamore Normal 61761)
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
May 8, 2022 @ 2 PM
Event Location: Ewing Park. 1001 Ethell Parkway. Bloomington IL 61701
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walk
April 30, 2022 @ 8AM
Event Location: Camp Peairs. 24201 Camp Peairs Rd. Hudson IL 61748
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JWP Audubon Spring Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Bird Walk
April 23, 2022 @ 8AM
Event Location: Parkland Foundation Merwin Preserve (County RD 2650 N Lexington)
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JWP Audubon Spring Bird Walk
JWP Audubon Spring Bird Walk
April 16, 2022 8:00am-10:00am
Event Location: Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway Bloomington 61701)
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Dr. Curt Meine Presentation
Dr. Curt Meine Presentation
April 14, 2022 7:30-9PM
Land Ethics Evolving: Conservation in a Time of Rapid Social and Environmental Change
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Native American uses of Plants
April 11, 2022 7:00 PM
Event Location: Mennonite Church. 802 S Cottage Ave. Normal IL 61761. Event Webpage: illinoisprairie.wildones.org/events
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Monty and Rose 2 @ Normal Theater
Monty and Rose 2 @ Normal Theater
March 30, 2022 @ 7PM
Details: Where: Normal Theater. When: Wednesday, March 30 @ 7PM. Cost: FREE. Website: https://www.montyandrose.net/
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Vic Berardi - The History, the Raptors and the Data
Vic Berardi - The History, the Raptors and the Data
March 3, 2022 @ 7PM
Vic Berardi - "The Illinois Beach State Park Hawk Watch: The History, the Raptors, and the Data."
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JWP Audubon Photo Exhibit
JWP Audubon Photo Exhibit
January 3 - February 28
Visit the Normal Public Library to view the JWP Audubon Photo Exhibit. Event Page: jwpaudubon.com
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2021
How Are Illinois’ Birds Faring?
How Are Illinois’ Birds Faring?
June 29, 2021
A recent research study which estimates the loss of 3 billion birds in North America over the past 50 years -- more than 25% of birds on the continent -- has led many to question what the implications are for birds in Illinois.
Join Bloomington Public Library as Dr. T.J. Benson presents an overview of Illinois' birds, population trajectories over the past 100 years, recent threats, and opportunities for bird conservation in the 21st century.
Dr. Benson is a senior wildlife ecologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Bicycling in McLean County Greenways
Bicycling in McLean County Greenways
July 22, 2021
Michael Brown, Executive Director of Ecology Action Center and Patrick Dullard, President of Friends of Constitution Trail are avid bikers and use the trails for work and pleasure. Learn about their experiences and how you can enjoy bicycling Greenways more.
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Finding Birds in McLean County: An Ornithologist’s Overview
Finding Birds in McLean County: An Ornithologist’s Overview
April 15, 2021
Did you know thousands of birds migrate through McLean County in the Spring? More than 314 species of birds have been recorded in the county - some common and some rare.
We held a virtual presentation on April 15, 2021 about finding migrating birds in McLean County! Click "learn more" to view the recording.
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Identifying Wildflowers in McLean County
Identifying Wildflowers in McLean County
April 29, 2021
Wildflowers will be popping up soon at several Greenways locations throughout McLean County, and you will have a chance to see their beauty! Virtual event was held April 29, 2021.
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Spring Wildflowers Scavenger Hunt
Spring Wildflowers Scavenger Hunt
Local Master Naturalists and Sugar Grove Nature Center educators have designed a fun springtime activity for kids. Our wildflower scavenger hunt sheet lists several wildflowers you can expect to encounter at our Greenways locations during the months of April and May. This scavenger hunt is designed for children and their families, but adult visitors will also enjoy doing it!
Photo credit (above): Bluebells, Deanna Frautschi
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ISU Earth Day
ISU Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day at the ISU Horticulture Center, April 22, 2021 (registration required)
Before colonization, about 60 percent (or 22 million acres) of Illinois land was covered in tall grass prairie. Today only 2,500 acres of remnant prairie remain. Join ISU on Earth Day to learn about the beautiful prairies that give Illinois its nickname, the Prairie State. Make a difference by volunteering to help revitalize the prairie at the ISU Horticulture Center.
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ParkLands Foundation Earth Day Volunteer Challenge
ParkLands Foundation Earth Day Volunteer Challenge
April 22 - 25, 2021 (registration required)
The ParkLands Foundation’s first annual Earth Day Volunteer Challenge (April 22 – 25) aims to raise ecological awareness and make a collective impact on protecting the natural heritage of central Illinois.
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JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walks
JWP Audubon Spring Migration Bird Walks
April 17, 2021 - May 22, 2021
The JWP Audubon Bird Walks are back for spring migration!
Meeting at our city's own bird oasis, Ewing Park, the group will be led by our local experts. Designated an Important Bird Area, the park hosts migrating warblers, sparrows, thrushes, raptors and more!
Check the JWP Audubon Facebook Events page for more information about specific dates and what to expect. Clicking on this graphic will take you right there.
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Ewing Park Fall Migration Bird Walks
Ewing Park Fall Migration Bird Walks
Sundays through October 17, 2021
Led by some of JWP's finest, we coordinate weekend morning bird walks during peak migration at our local bird oasis, Ewing Park. Hedge Apple Woods was designated an Important Bird Area for migration in 2016. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., all are seen at this easily accessible location.
Fall 2021 Bird Walks (8 a.m. at Ewing Park II in Bloomington - 1001 Ethel Parkway).
Sunday, September 19;
Sunday, September 26;
Sunday, October 3;
Sunday, October 10;
Sunday, October 17
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2020
Greenways & Pollinator Pathways
Greenways & Pollinator Pathways
Monday, February 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM at Mennonite Church of Normal.
Photo Source: Georgi Baird
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Children and Elders Forest: conversation about a local afforestation effort
Children and Elders Forest: conversation about a local afforestation effort
Monday, January 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal.
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2019
Making Buildings Safe for Migratory Birds
Making Buildings Safe for Migratory Birds
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM at IWU Center for Natural Sciences.
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Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight
Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight
Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 7:00 PM at Bloomington Public Library.
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The Buzz on Bees - Honeybees
The Buzz on Bees - Honeybees
Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 6:00 PM at Bloomington Public Library.
Photo source: Georgi Baird
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Roundtable: Winterizing for Wild Ones
Roundtable: Winterizing for Wild Ones
Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal.
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Planting Native Trees & Shrubs with Illinois Prairie Wild Ones
Planting Native Trees & Shrubs with Illinois Prairie Wild Ones
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal
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Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration
Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration
Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Sugar Grove Nature Center from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
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Yard Smart: Eco-friendly yard maintenance
Yard Smart: Eco-friendly yard maintenance
Monday, August 12, 2019 at 7:00 PM at Mennonite Church of Normal.
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Inside Out Accessible Arts Fair
Inside Out Accessible Arts Fair
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Sugar Grove Nature Center from 10 AM to 4 PM.
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Great American Backyard Campout
Great American Backyard Campout
Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 at Sugar Grove Nature Center from 10 AM to 1 PM.
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National Trails Day Celebration
National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at Sugar Grove Nature Center from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Photo source: Georgi Baird
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Audubon chapter annual meeting & bird walk
Audubon chapter annual meeting & bird walk
May 19th, 2019 at 8:00 AM
Sugar Grove Nature Center
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Constitution Trail 30th Anniversary
Constitution Trail 30th Anniversary
May 4th, 2019 from Noon to 2 PM at the Connie Link Amphitheatre
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Normal is Over - Free Screening
Normal is Over - Free Screening
April 11, 2019 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Normal Theater
FREE!
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Native Plants of the Midwest
Native Plants of the Midwest
Monday, April 8, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal.
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Landscaping with Natives
Landscaping with Natives
Monday, February 11th at 7:00 PM
805 Cottage Avenue
Normal, IL 61761
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Nature Journaling
Nature Journaling
Monday, January 14th, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Mennonite Church of Normal
805 Cottage Ave
Normal, IL 61761
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2018
Book Talk - Arthur Pearson
Book Talk - Arthur Pearson
Monday, November 5, 2018
7:00 PM
Center for Natural Sciences building, Room C101, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington
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7:00 PM
Center for Natural Sciences building, Room C101, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington