Greenways partner events throughout McLean County

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2024


Annual Native Plant Sale

May 18, 2024 8AM
Carlock - More Details to come
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April Wildflower Walk 2024

April 27, 2024 10AM-12PM
Merwin Nature Preserve
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FLUDDLES Documentary

April 22, 2024 @ 7PM
FREE Event!! Event Lcation: Normal Theater
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March Hike

March 16, 2024 10AM-12PM
Parklands Lexington Preserve
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How & Why to Build a Rain Garden

February 12, 2024 7PM-8:30PM
Zoom/Online/Virtual
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February Hike

February 10, 2024 1PM-3:30PM
Merwin Nature Preserve
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Stave Wine & Bar Market Social

January 28, 2024 2PM-4PM
Stave Wine & Bar Market
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Winter Bird Walk

January 20, 2024 9AM
Merwins Nature Preserve
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The Nature Fix: Your Brain on Nature

January 8, 2024 7PM-8:30PM
Zoom/Online/Virtual Event
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Winter Bird Walk

January 7, 2024 9AM
Fraker Farm - 2226 County Road 375 N, Carlock
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New Years Day Bike Ride

January 1, 2024 1:30PM
Meet at Green Top Grocery (997 E Washington St. Bloomington)
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New Years Day Hike

January 1, 2024 10AM-12PM
Sweeney Woods Preserve at 10AM
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2023


JWP Fall Bird Walks
JWP Fall Bird Walks

JWP Fall Bird Walks

Multiple Days this Fall
Click for more details
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Parklands Foundation Moon Preserve
Parklands Foundation Moon Preserve

Parklands Foundation Moon Preserve

August 26, 2023 8:30am-12
Volunteer Opportunity @ Moon Preserve
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Native Planting - Successes & Challenges
Native Planting - Successes & Challenges

Native Planting - Successes & Challenges

August 14, 2023 @ 7PM
Location: Mennonite Church of Normal. 805 S Cottage Ave. Normal IL 61761
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JWP Spring Bird Walk
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JWP Spring Bird Walk

April 29, 2023 @ 8AM
Location: Ewing Park. 1001 Ethell Parkway Bloomington. Leaders: Dave & Bode Thompson
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Wildflower Walk 2023
Wildflower Walk 2023

Wildflower Walk 2023

April 22, 2023 @ 10AM-11AM
Location: Merwin Preserve .
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Celebrate Trails Day
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?

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

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

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

The Pollinator Victory Garden

March 13, 2023 @ 7-8:30PM
Virtual Event. Register in advanced!
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JWP Audubon Bird Photography Exhibit
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

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

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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September Bird Walks
September Bird Walks

September Bird Walks

Saturdays & Sundays
Click to view all the details
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Nature Trails Day at Sugar Grove
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greenways & Pollinator Pathways

Monday, February 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM at Mennonite Church of Normal. Photo Source: Georgi Baird
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The Tipton Trails Story
The Tipton Trails Story

The Tipton Trails Story

Thursday, October 8th, 2020, 7 PM, via Zoom.
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2019


Making Buildings Safe for Migratory Birds
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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Autumn Celebration
Autumn Celebration

Autumn Celebration

Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Sugar Grove Nature Center.
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Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight
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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Fall Bird Walk - Ewing Park II
Fall Bird Walk - Ewing Park II

Fall Bird Walk - Ewing Park II

Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 8:00 AM at Ewing Park II.
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The Buzz on Bees - Honeybees
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

Roundtable: Winterizing for Wild Ones

Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal.
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Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration
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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Dawson Lake Dash 5K
Dawson Lake Dash 5K

Dawson Lake Dash 5K

Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 8 AM at Moraine View State Park.
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Yard Smart: Eco-friendly yard maintenance
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

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

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

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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Constitution Trail 30th Anniversary
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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Spring Bird Walks
Spring Bird Walks

Spring Bird Walks

April 20th, 2019 through May 25th, 2019 at 8:00 AM at Ewing Park
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BN Clean Up Week
BN Clean Up Week

BN Clean Up Week

April 13th through April 21st
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Woodland Wildflowers
Woodland Wildflowers

Woodland Wildflowers

Monday, March 11, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Church of Normal
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Normal is Over - Free Screening
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

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

Landscaping with Natives

Monday, February 11th at 7:00 PM 805 Cottage Avenue Normal, IL 61761
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Nature Journaling
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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Fall Bird Walk - Maxwell Park
Fall Bird Walk - Maxwell Park

Fall Bird Walk - Maxwell Park

Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 8:00 AM at Maxwell Park.
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2018


Book Talk - Arthur Pearson
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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