The earliest evidence of humans in our area dates back at least 10,000 years.  Hear about our area's history since the ice age.  Various locations will be identified including historic mounds and archaeological sites.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

The presentation will be made by Jack MacRae, naturalist with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

The life of a Civil War soldier was filled with hardships.  Learn about his weapons, foods, clothing and how a soldier survived this most brutal of America's wars.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

The presentation will be made by Roger Bohn, historic re-enactor with the First Michigan Engineers.  Click on First Michigan Engineers to visit their website.

Native plants are beautiful and provide habitat for wildlife such at beautiful butterflies.  Native plants are also sustainable and conserve energy.  Learn how to introduce native plants to diversify your garden.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Pat Armstrong is the owner of Prairie Sun Consultants as well as a botanist with the Morton Arboretum.

One of our goals with the Franzosenbusch Prairie House is to integrate green design with historic preservation.  Learn how a "green building" rating system provides environmental benefits and how it can save you energy.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Mike Jackson is the FAIA Chief Architect, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Preservation Services Division.

Wednesday, April 2 and
Friday, April 11, 2008
"Woodcock Walk"
7:00 pm at the 31st Street Kiosk

John Banaszak, biologist and society board member, will guide us as we observe the mating and nesting rituals.

Spring evenings can be chilly. So dress appropriately and wear study shoes for the "Woodcock Walks".

For more information and reservations, call (708) 865-8736.

Dr. Liebner will discuss medicinal uses of wildflowers.  We will relate stories from the Bible, history and folklore and as they relate to spring wildflowers.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Dr. Edwin Liebner is Professor Emeritus, College of Medicine, UIC.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Dramatically Improve Your Nature Photographs"
7:00 pm at the Prairie House
With Mike MacDonald

Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to improve your photography, Mr. MacDonald will provide ways to make your efforts both more technically and more aesthetically pleasing.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.  Includes refreshments.

Mike MacDonald of Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc., specializes in the beauty of the Chicago area.  His work has appeared in Outdoor Photographer Magazine and Chicago Wilderness Magazine.  You can visit his website at www.ChicagoNature.com.

A brief slide presentation will precede Pat's discussion of the history of herbs as they were used in the 1890's for cooking as well as medicinal uses.  We can compare past herbal uses with present day recipes.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Pat Wilson is an interpreter with the Klinie Creek Farm, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Joins us for an evening hike as we explore the nocturnal habitat of wildlife and watch the blinking fireflies as they perform courtship rituals.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

John Elliott is the Education Manager, Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Learn the life cycle of the fascinating dragonflies and damselflies.  Using slides John and Jane will discuss what is being done to protect the Hines Emerald dragonfly, the only dragonfly on the Federal endangered species list.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

John and Jane Balaban are photographers and restoration volunteers with the North Branch Restoration Project.

This is the time to catch the prairie at its majestic autumn heights.  Enjoy a personal hike with a prairie expert, Dr. Wilhelm.  Stay for the reception for this renown expert.

Donation: 15.00, Seniors $10.00.

Gerould Wilhelm is a Botanist with Conservation Design Forum.

Saturday, September 17th, 2008

Join us in celebrating the 15th Annual National Public Lands Day.  Meet us at the Prairie House to improve and enhance Wolf Road Prairie.  Clearing brush, planting trees, and seed collecting are but a few of our activities.

Sunday, September 7, 2008
"Nature Arts and Heritage Faire"
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
On the parkway at the Prairie House
11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester, IL

The popular event has been expanded this year.  Included will be:

• Nature Artists, Photographers and Crafters
• The LaGrange Art League Plein Air Painters
• Old Plank road Folk Music Society
• Badger Clan Fur Trader Era Re-enactors
• Native Americans in Regalia
• Company A of the 12th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Encampment
• Attic Treasures Sale
• Antique Appraisals
• Site Tours and more...

Sunday, September 21, 2008
"Connecting Worlds -- The Story of the Chicago Portage"
2:00 pm at the Prairie House
With Mark McLean and Jeff Carter

The Chicago Portage, long used by Native American, was "discovered" by French explorers Pete Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet in 1673.  This connection between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico via Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River attracted people to our area.  Watch a video and celebrate the 335th Anniversary of Marquette's and Joliet's arrival to our lands.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Mark McLean is with the Friends of the Chicago Portage and I & M Civic Center Authority.

Jeff Carter is with the Friends of the Chicago Portage.

Mary's PowerPoint presentation will take us through the recovery in Illinois of this former endangered species.
 

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Mary Hennen is with the Bird Division of the Field Museum.

From the earliest time of history humans have been fascinated with the mighty oak.  Learn about the species of oaks and their status in natural landscapes as well as urban landscapes.

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Edith Makra is a Community Trees Advocate with the Morton Arboretum.

Many Germans settled in our area in the mid-1800s and brought with them their traditions.  Using hand-made ornaments, and seasonal lore , Patricia will give us more than a glimpse of the ways the settlers celebrated Christmas

Donation: 5.00, Seniors $3.00.

Patricia Reaves is a German teacher and researcher at the Riverside-Brookfield High School as well a the chairperson of the Franzosenbusch Heritage Project.