Join us for a hike at the North Dunes Nature Preserve to see a large and diverse area containing wetland, prairie, savanna and beach communities, with a chance to encounter a variety of rare lakeshore species. Then join Kathleen Garness and Gerould Willhelm to learn about the history of Hosah Park..
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Join Mark Kluge to visit one of the most remote areas in Cook County, where traffic noise is essentially inaudible. Enjoy the upland forest, prairie, and oak savanna communities set on a landscape of well-defined glacial features including hills, valleys, and the Visitation Esker.
See the biggest prairie in Illinois. Hoping to catch great displays of blooming Liatris and Rattlesnake Master. Wear sturdy boots and be prepared for ticks and chiggers. Meet at visitor center, then carpool to start of hike. Afterwards, retire to the Twisted Anchor for drinks, food and conversation
Join a guided field trip at Wolf Road Prairie, the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in the Chicago area. Your guide, Carolyn, will lead you along trails through vibrant wildflowers and grasses, explore marsh and savanna habitats, and highlight the wildlife that thrives in this 82-acre preserve.
See dolomite prairie with Quillwort and other rare species. Relatively short walk on very level ground, wear sturdy boots and expect ticks and chiggers. Navigate to 41.38938297130564, -88.19387800391266 (off W Frontage Rd).
See Will County sand savanna and prairie. Wear sturdy shoes and pants. Meet at Kankakee Sands FPD, Rte 113 east of Braidwood, carpool to SRS NP. Be prepared for long walk cross country with brambles present. Retire to the Korner Keg (Braidwood) for drinks, food & conversation.
See sand and black soil prairie at Heidecke Lake L&WR. Wear sturdy shoes and pants, ticks and chiggers live here. Long walks on level ground off trails. Meet at the first picnic area (on right). Refresh with drinks, food & converation at Carson's Tap House (823 Liberty St) in Morris after.
The Annual Gathering is a weekend social event held in June each year where our grantees are announced and awards delivered, delicious meals are shared, and much fun is had during various unique field trips,
See sand savannas and wetlands. Wear sturdy, long pants and boots for a long walk on nearly level ground, with some off trail. Expect ticks and chiggers. We will retire to Route 66 Old School Brewing (110 Bridge St) in Wilmington after for drinks, food and conversation.
Come see sand prairie and woodlands of the Chicago Lake Plain. Meet at the north parking lot and be prepared to walk sand trails. After seeing the site we will retire to Thornton Distilling, 400 E Margaret St, Thornton, IL 60476 for drinks, food and conversation.
