Friends of Volo Bog
 

 


Up-coming Programs 

Volo Bog State Natural Area &

The Moraine Hills State Park

Explore Nature with us!

A full line-up of programs close to home and FREE*! (What could be better?!)

*Donations are happily accepted by the sites’ associated Friends groups. 

LNCI! Encouraging families to--- Leave No Child Inside!

Reservations are requested for most programs - REPLY or Phone 815-344-1294

Limited drop-ins welcome but... program may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.  The following list is provided in chronological order, based on the next activity time.  Some programs repeat monthly while others are one-time activities.  Locations and other information is available at the end of the list.

 

 

Volo Bog Sweat Shirts have arrived in the Tamarack Shop!

 

Spring is for the Birds...

 

 

Guided Tours of Volo Bog

Most Saturdays & Sundays   11:00 am & 1:00 pm    LNCI!          

Explore Illinois' only remaining open-water quaking bog where the trees move with your steps, plants eat bugs and other strange things occur!  Carnivorous pitcher plants are easy to spot if the snow is not too deep.  Naked tamarack branches sometimes play host to crossbills and long-eared owls.  Animal tracks reveal secretive residents.  All ages are welcome.  No reservations needed, except.... Groups of 10 or more, please phone for 815-344-1294 to arrange a private group tour.  Public tours last about one hour.  For more information, phone 815-344-1294 or visit Volo Bog State Natural Area at http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R2/VOLOBOG.HTM

No tours/Visitor Center Closed over NYE/NYD weekend - Site closed New Years Day

 

Birds, birds & more birds...

 

Bluebird Workshops at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Saturday, March 17

·         9:30 a.m - 12:00 Noon - Monitors' Review - For experienced/existing monitors throughout Lake & McHenry Counties to share thoughts and ideas

·         1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - An Introduction to Bluebird Monitoring - for potential new monitors for both counties, and anybody, from anywhere, interested in learning more about bluebird monitoring.

Bluebirds are little, soft-spoken thrushes, related to robins - not to be confused with those noisy jays related to crows.  Dependent on nest cavities historically excavated by woodpeckers, these little "gems of blue" now depend heavily on bird houses and the efforts of humans that love them.  Monitors throughout North America are responsible for their amazing comeback.  Monitors are being sought for a variety of state and county sites.  Workshop led by Lake County Blue Bird Coordinator Walt Sivertsen.  Ages 11 - Adult welcome.  Younger family members may subsequently participate with their adult in monitoring.  Registration Required at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.

 

 

Annual Midwest Crane Count Monitors Workshop at Volo Bog State Natural Area (McHenry County)

Sunday, March 18  1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Citizen scientists are sought to go out in the pre-dawn hours of April 14 to count cranes.  But first, new monitors are encouraged to attend this training.  McHenry County's Crane Count Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki leads the workshop and coordinates the McHenry County monitoring sites.  Numerous sites are available in the county.  A few may be available in Lake County but most of these are taken (more info will be available at the workshop).  Ages 15 - Adult welcome to workshop.  Younger family members are welcome to participate in the April count.  Registration Required at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.

 

 

International Migratory Bird Day at McHenry Dam   LNCI! 

Celebrating Birds and Bird Migration along the Fox River

Saturday, April 28     12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Get Banded!  Then, go on a Bird Behavior Scavenger Hunt, take the Great Migration Challenge, Fill the Bill, compete in Jeop-Birdy, and sign our Bird Action Pledge.  We'll be playing these and many other games, looking through spotting scopes, taking short bird walks, stamping passports and giving out lots of prizes.  This family fun event along the Fox River holds something for kids of all ages - including adult "kids" too!  Stop by for a 1/2 hour or stay all afternoon!  Sponsored by Friends of Moraine Hills State Park & McHenry County Audubon.  Contact Stacy at dnr.volobog@illinois.org for sponsorship opportunities.

 

 

A Day with "John James Audubon" at Volo Bog State Natural Area   LNCI  Click Here

Celebrating International Migratory Bird Day

Sunday, April 29      Day-long fun!     Bring a lunch and plan to stay for the day or stop in for a part.

Brian "Fox" Ellis is John James Audubon!

 

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.  Birding with "John James Audubon"

Join "John James Audubon" on a leisurly bird walk that includes stories of the renouned natualist's birding adventures.  Late April can feature a wide variety of birds from grebes, ducks, herons and cranes, to flycatchers, swallows, thrushes and early warblers .  What can be better than that?  Finding those birds with the help of J. J. Audubon, of course.  This bird walk is geared to adults and attentive kids 6 years old & up.  Meet in the parking lot!  Reservations are requested; drop-ins welcome.

 

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Birds in the Museum - an Audubon Open-House Gallery Talk in the Visitor Center

Discover birds through Audubon's art - these ones won't fly away!  Explore over two dozen authentic Audubon prints as "the artist" shares insights to how they were made and stories of Audubon's observations of each bird, featuring Audubon's own words from his journals.  Stop in for a few minutes or stay for two hours.  No reservations needed for the gallery talk.  All ages welcome

 

1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.  An Afternoon of Stories with "John James Audubon"

Audubon brings bird behavior to life through his art.  Ellis' "Audubon" tell stories focusing on the birds we are most likely to see bird watching in Northeastern Illinois.  Audubon followed the annual migrations of birds throughout North America in the 1820s and 1830s, keeping meticulous journals on the birds he saw.  Peppered with field ecology, the scientific method, art history, and bird migration, the audience is invited to imitate birds and discuss the life histories of their favorite feathered friends.  Geared to adults and kids 8 years old & up.  Reservations are requested.  Seating is limited.  Drop-ins welcome if space allows.

 

Thanks to our generous sponsors for bringing "John James Audubon" to Volo Bog State Natural Area:  Friends of Volo Bog, McHenry County Audubon, Lake County Audubon, Wild Bird Center of Fox River Grove, and several anonymous donors.

 

 

Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area       LNCI!

Saturdays & Sundays        8:00 a.m.

January 29; February 25; March 11

Volo Bog SNA's bird feeders present a nice way to wrap-up birding along the trail.  From the warmth of the Visitor Center, watch for American tree sparrows, winter goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches and juncos.  The trails may reveal surprises such as northern shrike, winter wrens, and in some winters, bluebirds, crossbills and long-eared owls.  Other more familiar winter residents include downy & hair woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, crows and blue jays.  Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow from the leader. Walk length and time varies from 1 - 3+ hours with weather & luck in birding!  Co-sponsored by McHenry County Audubon Visit www.McHenryAudubon.org   Meet in the Parking Lot   Adults and attentive kids age 6 and up are welcome.    Registrations is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

 

 

Bird Walks at McHenry Dam      LNCI!

Saturdays &/or Sundays       8:00 a.m.

February 4, March 3

Winter sightings include occasional bald eagles along the Fox River.  Juncos, goldfinches, brown creepers and tree sparrows are among those found feeding in the marshes, prairies & woods along the two-mile "yellow" trail.  Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow ours. Walk length and time varies from 1 - 3+ hours with weather & luck in birding!  Co-sponsored by McHenry County Audubon - visit www.McHenryAudubon.org    Adults and attentive kids age 6 and up are welcome. Meet at south end of McHenry Dam Parking.   Registrations is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

 

 

Cancelled: Astronomy Nights at Volo Bog State Natural Area   LNCI!       

Third Fridays     8:30 p.m. - open

January 20; February 17; March 16

The Lake County Astronomical Society meets at Volo Bog SNA on the 3rd Friday of each month except December.  A business meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and viewing if skies are clear at about 9:30 p.m.  The public is always welcome - no registration required.  Visit www.LCAS-Astronomy.org

 

 

Introduction to Snowshoeing at Moraine Hills State Park  Booked!

Saturday, January 21    12:30 - 3:00 p.m.     Meet at Park Nature Center

Snowshoe instructor Bob Caniglia will share all sorts of useful information beginning with how to select the right snowshoes!  Mr. Caniglia will discuss proper dress and reveal the best local trails to give it a try.  If you already own snowshoes, bring them along.  If not, you may borrow from Caniglia.  Do not buy snowshoes just for the class - wait until after learning how to make the best purchase.  If snow allows, the later half of the class session is outside to practice!   Geared to adults and youth 12 and up.

Program is free!  Donations happily accepted by Friends of Moraine Hills State Park.

Group Size is Limited - Preregistration is Required through Volo Bog SNA at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

 

 

Animal Tracking at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Sunday, January 22    12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Explore how different animals walk to learn their track patterns.  Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki will also discuss prints, scat and other sign helpful in discovering the many mammals (and birds) that are out & about in the winter landscape.  Come dressed for indoor/outdoor learning.  Geared to Adults & Kids 5 & older.  Reservations requested at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294. 

 

 

 

Marsh Walk at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Saturday, February 4       10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Explore Volo Bog's Marsh Moat from atop the ice!  Discover muskrat and beaver lodges, long-unwavering coyote tracks and subtle signs of mice and owls.  Wear warm boots and dress for the weather in layers.  Bring binoculars or borrow ours.  Geared to adults and youth 10 and up.

Meet at Visitor Center

Group size is limited - Preregistration is Required at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

 

 

Volo Bog Youth Art Guild has Openings!     LNCI!

Meets First Sunday of each month (except January) from 9:30 am - 12:00 noon

February 5; March 4; April 1

Ages 10 - 17 welcome

Limited Class Size

Nature Focused & includes outdoor and indoor time each month

Different Adult Artist introduces a new medium each month

$30.00 Annual Fee covers basic materials; additional material fees apply

For more info contact Volo Bog at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294

 

 

Veterans Conservation Corp Chapter at

Volo Bog State Natural Area, Moraine Hills State Park & McHenry Dam

Saturday, February 11   9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  - Meet at VBSNA Visitor Center

Wednesday, Februrary 29   Depart VBSNA @ 9:30 a.m.  Return about 1:00 p.m.

The Veterans Conservation Corps combined chapter continues their Bird House Building Project.  February 11 will be spent readying for the February 29 outreach Field Trip to the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center where members will enlist the help of patients in assembling the bird houses.  The group will also discuss ideas for upcoming projects.

The Veterans Conservation Corps is a joint program from the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  To join the VCC team, sign up for an upcoming meeting, or to just learn more, contact Stacy Iwanicki at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.  

 

 

Book Discussions at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Second Saturdays   10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

         Of Bogs & Books is an informal gathering of adults who share morning coffee & snacks over discussion of nature, science & environmental readings. 189 titles by 160 authors have been discussed since establishment in 1994.

 

Upcoming selections are:

February 11 -  Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology by David Abram

March 10 - Coyote at the Kitchen Door - Living with Wildlife in Suburbia by Stephen DeStefano

April 14 - When the Killing's Done: A Novel by T. C. Boyle

        April's participants choose Summer Selections

May 12 - The Story of Stuff - How Our Obsessoin with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and our Health - and a Vision for Change by Annie Leonard

        See our attached flyer with book reviews of the spring selections; Ask for our list of all the books we've read so far!

Registration is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov  Drop-ins are welcome too.

 

Catch us at the Great Outdoors Expo in Woodstock

March 3 & 4

Check it out at www.GreatOutdoorsExpo.net

We're Illinois Department of Natural Resources & Friends!

 

 

The Tamarack Shop at Volo Bog SNA 

Open Fridays, 12 noon - 3:00 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

(And by luck and chance otherwise ;0)!

The Tamarack Shop features a nice selection of nature-related items including nature books & field guides,

fold-out ID cards, t-shirts, Volo Bog Ball Caps, puppets, music & nature sounds CDs and more!

Run by the Friends of Volo Bog, members save 10% on most items.

Memberships start at only $10.00!!!  Find a printable membership form at www.FriendsofVoloBog.org

Cash and Checks Only - sorry no plastic.  Proceeds support programming and habitat projects at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

 

 

Volo Bog State Natural Area is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources site located in Ingleside on Brandenburg Road west off U.S. Highway 12 between State Highways 120 and 134. For program reservations, contact 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

　

Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam are an Illinois Department of Natural Resources complex located South of McHenry on River Road between State Highways 120 and 176. For reservations for programs at Moraine Hills, please contact Volo Bog at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov For information on the park itself, please phone 815-385-1624.

　

 

Visit our sites' Friends Groups & Associates:

www.FriendsofVoloBog.org

www.FriendsofMoraineHillsStatePark.org

www.ShutterBugsofVoloBog.org

www.McHenryAudubon.org

www.lcas-astronomy.org

www2.illinois.gov/veterans/programs/Pages/conservation-corps.aspx

www.chicagowilderness.org

www.kidsoutside.info

 

 

 

LNCI!

Leave No Child Inside!

 

 

　

 

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