Greenways Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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