NORTH PARK VILLAGE NATURE CENTER’S FALL CALENDAR
FESTIVE FALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2007
Release Date: 09/28/07
The North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski, is offering up a bountiful helping of nature-inspired programs and events this Fall 2007. Since opening in 1980, the North Park Village Nature Center has offered a variety of programs geared toward educating children and adults about nature and the environment. Some of the nature center’s current offerings include teacher training programs, school outreach programs, summer camps and festivals.
Check out the Nature Center’s 2007 Fall Line-up of festivals and programs:
All Ages Festivals
Harvest Festival
•Saturday & Sunday, October 13th & 14th
•10am – 3 pmCelebrate autumn at our 16th annual Harvest Festival.
Activities include a scarecrow building contest, storytelling, live music, farmer’s market, tours, and seasonal food and refreshments for sale. All are invited to this free festival. No registration required. Winter Solstice Festival•Saturday, December 15th •6-9 pmThe Nature Center on a quiet winter night—what a peaceful way to welcome the season! Celebrate the winter solstice by tasting chestnuts roasted on the open fire. Make edible ornaments for preserve animals. Listen to seasonal music, and take a walk along luminary-lit trails. Stay for an original shadow play as a bonfire illuminates characters on a 50-foot screen! All are invited to this free festival. No registration required.
All Ages Programs
Theatre-Hikes
Combine a great theatre experience with a healthy hike though the preserve. The action takes place along a guided walk. The actors might use nature for a backdrop, prop, or dramatic ambush to deliver an exciting nature-inspired story. Tickets are $6 for children to age 12 and $10 for adults. Call the Nature Center at (312) 744-5472 to register.
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
•Saturday & Sunday, September 22nd & 23rd
•1-3 pmThis new dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
Late Great Nocturnal Night
•Friday, September 28th
•4-8 pm
The last Friday of the month is a time to see the Nature Center at night. Drop in to learn about the nightlife and try to see the animals that sleep all day. Look for raccoons, opossums, skunks, and even a flying squirrel, which are active all night. No registration required.
Evening Autumn Strolls
•Wednesday, October 17th
•6:30- 7:30 pm
During this family nature walk, you’ll spot signs of the season in the preserve and learn about the season where leaves reveal their true colors, the air is crisp, and nature prepares for winter.
Autumn Strolls
•Saturday, October 20th & Sunday, November 4th
•2-3 pm
Join us for a walk through the preserve to discover the beauty and mystery of fall. Warm yourself on the blazing colors of the trees’ leaves and listen to the last bubbles burst on the pond. Watch as everything prepares for its winter journey—whether it’s the turtles heading to the bottom of the pond, the birds stopping on their way south, or the seeds searching for a way to get to their new homes.
All About Turtles
•Sundays: September 30th, October 28th, November 25th & December 30th
•1-4 pm
Would you like to learn all about different kinds of turtles? Bring your turtles, your questions, or just your curiosity to the Turtle Club of the Chicago Herpetological Society’s monthly get-together. If you are lucky, you might see some live turtles! No registration necessary.
Autumn Nature Quest
•Saturday, November 3rd
•11 am- 1 pm
Discover what kind of treasure abounds in the preserve this fall as you complete a simple quest. You’ll brush up on basic orienteering skills, use some clever thinking, and delve a little deeper into the wonders of this place as you follow clues deciphered through riddles and rhymes. Program is geared toward families with children 6 years and older. Tellabration 2007•Saturday, November 17th •Family Program 4:30-6pm; Teens/Adult Program 7-9pmJoin the Nature Center Storytelling Guild for the 8th annual Tellabration Celebration. All across the world storytellers will be gathering to keep this age-old tradition alive. Funny, thought provoking stories for all ages. Please note that some of the adult stories may not be appropriate for young children. Suggested donation: $3 kids, $5 adults. All proceeds go to local charity.
Saturday by the Fireplace
•Saturday, December 1st
•2-3 pm
The air is getting colder so bring your family to our fireplace to warm your hands and hearts. We’ll read storybooks that are fun for all ages to keep the winter at bay, for at least one day.
Adult ProgramsYoga for Adults & Seniors
•Sundays: October 7th, 21st & 28th; November 4th, 11th & 18th; December 2nd, 9th & 16th•
9:30- 10:30 am; $5 donation
Join us! Get close to nature with some gentle Hatha yoga—feel more flexible and rejuvenated. Program is led by Connie Stepanek, certified beginning Hatha yoga instructor. Bring a blanket; wear loose clothing. There is a special emphasis for senior participants, but anyone is invited to join in.
Chicago Bird Collision Monitoring Presentation
•Thursday, October 4th
•7:00 p.m. - Social/Snacks; 7:30 p.m. – PresentationJoin
Chicago Audubon Society and Annette Prince, director of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) This grass-roots volunteer program for the rescue and protection of migratory birds that face the hazards of colliding with buildings as a result of confusing lights and reflective and transparent glass in building windows and lobbies. Learn about this successful conservation project and the birds it has saved. Find out ways you can make your own home more “bird-friendly.”
Crane Conservation in Russia
•Thursday, November 1st
•7:00 p.m. - Social/Snacks; 7:30 p.m.
Presentation Bobbi Asher recently traveled to Russia with George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation. She will speak about efforts to help save Russia’s cranes. Learn how precarious the cranes’ chances of survival are and how the Foundation and other international groups working together do make a difference.
Storytelling Guild Meetings
•Wednesdays: October 17th, November 21st & December 19th
•7:30 – 10 pm
Nature Center/North Shore Storytelling Guild is now meeting at the Nature Center. 7:30 meet and catch up. Open to all persons interested in the art of storytelling. No Experience necessary. Come to tell or just listen. For more information call Mark Kater (847) 673-5786.
Nature Writing Group
•Sundays: October 28th, November 18th & December 16th
•11am – 1pm
Join two facilitators—one the founder of a human rights group, the other a seasoned coordinator of Artists Way writing groups—for inspiration, sharing, critiquing, writing exercises and walks in the nature preserve. Questions? Call (847) 864-3898.
Fall Migration Bird walks
•Every Saturday in October
•8-10 am
Don’t miss Yellow Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and other colorful migratory birds as they return to the Nature Center. Chicago Audubon Society guides lead fall bird walks each Saturday morning in September & October. Bring binoculars or check out a pair of ours. Free; no registration required.
Wild Ones Wild Ones is a group of natural landscaping enthusiasts who enjoy visiting natural areas and native plant gardens. We meet once per month, either to listen to a lecture or to tour a unique natural area or garden. Join us anytime and tell us what you think. Call Bob for directions or more information: (312) 744-5472. PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a meeting in December as schedules are rather full at that time of year.
Backyard Biodiversity and How to Create It
•Thursday, October 11th
•7 pm
A representative from the firm of J.F. New will be present to discuss, how to develop backyard habitats. J. F. New is an award winning ecological services firm that carries out native landscape development, bioengineering, comprehensive wetland services and watershed management, among other ecological services. It’s our last lecture of the year and it should be a good one!
End of Year Potluck/Seed Exchange
•Thursday, November 8th
•7pm
Join us for our special end-of-year reflection/potluck and seed exchange. We’ll share a dish with everyone and trade our native plant seeds. Feel free to bring your own slides/images of native landscapes, if pertinent; good stories; native plant seeds to trade; and a dish to share. PLEASE: Bring only northeastern Illinois native plant seed to exchange. Oh yes, and please bring something fun to report. Yes we will be voting for new board members (including a new president) as well.
Chicagoland Urban Permaculture Group Permaculture is an integrated holistic systems approach to living sustainably. Based on observation of nature, its tools and principles shape human landscapes and cultural systems that restore the earth and its inhabitants. They guide the creation of eco-villages, perhaps the most promising future for our planet. We host discussions, field trips, and workdays related to sustainability and the applications of permaculture. For details contact Rael Bassan at 773-907-1465 or visit www.SustainCUP.blogspot.com.
Peaking Problems and the Refocusing of Progress
•Thursday, October 25th
•7-9 pm
A just released book, Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines by Richard Heinberg, addresses many of the changes needed to adjust to natures limits. It reviews the evidence for decreased availability of fossil fuels, grain, fresh water and many crucial minerals and metals. He foresees the consequent decline of population and conventional economic growth, and considers climate stability to have already peaked. Thomas J. Murphy, Professor Emeritus, Chemistry, former director of DePaul's environmental science program will review these concerns and the prospects for refocusing our culture on sustainable living.
Developing Urban Eco-villages
•Friday, November 9th, 7-9 pm
•Saturday, November 10th, 9am-4pm
•Sunday, November 11th, 10am-noon
Please note: this event will be held at the North Park Village Administration building. Eco-villages support ways of living that enhance both community and sustainability. Their multiple forms range from intentional communities and co-housing, to friends and neighbors deciding to share more, while greening-up their environment and way of life. Find out about their current and future developments in Chicago and the world. Friday will be an overview and is free. A $15 suggested donation covers the following days. Details are emerging at www.chicagolandsfutures.org
An Introduction to Permaculture: Implications for the City and Suburbs
•Saturday, December 8th
•1-4 pm
Presented by Bill Wilson (communitarian, permaculturist and sustainability advocate/educator). His presentation includes a 45 minute video of Australian Bill Mollison (founder of permaculture), examples of practical applications for the city, suburban or rural dweller, and pictures of his visit to the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute. Bill will also share a compelling overview of the sustainably oriented community of Stelle (located near Kankakee).
All About Fungi
•Mondays: November 5th & December 3rd
•7-9pm
Join the Illinois Mycological Association for their monthly meeting. Learn more about the fantastic features of fungi. Samples are often cooked up for tasting. In November Sara Branco, an intern from the Field Museum, will tell us about "Mushrooms of Portugal and Heavy Metal.” And join us in December for the annual holiday party and member slideshow. For details on other programs and mushroom walks, call (847) 432-8255 or visit http://www.ilmyco.gen.chicago.il.us/. Meetings at the NPVNC are free and open to the public. Registration not required.
Senior Programs
Senior Video
•Wednesday, November 14th
•1-3 pm
Come join us as we witness anew the continuous and incredible beauty of the world of nature around us.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Stewardship Network Workdays
•Wednesdays: September 12, 19 & 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; November 7, 14, 21 & 28; December 5, 12, & 19
•Sundays: September 16 &23; October 7, 21 & 28; November 4, 11 & 18; December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
•9 am—12 pm
Nature Center volunteers assist with the restoration of our 46-acre Nature Preserve and native gardens. Earn service hours and a great sense of fulfillment through seeding, planting, exotic species removal and, if the conditions are right, prescribed burning. We supply all the tools and snacks. We are always happy to see new faces! Please call Bob at (312) 744-5472 for more information about how you can help.
Registration for October, November & December classes begins on Monday, October 1st at 9am.
Admission to the North Park Village Nature Center is free and everyone is encouraged to attend events and programs throughout the year. The nature center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Some programs charge a fee and most programs require registration unless otherwise noted. If less than five people are registered two days prior to a program, that program will be cancelled so it is essential that you register.
Public programs are not designed for organized groups. If you are interested in a program for an organized group, please contact the Nature Center for more information.
Call the nature center at 312-744-5472 to register for fall programs. TTY/TDD (312) 744-3586. Program registration sent by e-mail will not be accepted. Please give us your name and daytime phone number, the name of the program(s) you wish to attend, and how many people will be attending.
Waiting ListWe keep a waiting list for programs that have been filled. If you have registered and are not able to attend, please notify us so that we can accommodate someone else.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529
- Publication Date: 09/28/07