Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Preserving Land — Now & Forever
January
February
March
See continuing events.
April
May
June
July
August
September
December 2012
Birding & Field Observation
Every Thursday, spring and fall
Feel free to join us whenever you can. Please bring your binoculars and favorite field guide. Dress for the weather. Contact Deb Kelly to put your name on email alert for weekly meeting points and other updates.
Property Workdays
- Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve: Tuesdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
- Galena Gateway Park: Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
- Wapello Land & Water Reserve: Tuesdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
Please dress to be outdoors. Wear protective clothing. If it rains, the workday is cancelled.
Business Meeting
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
January 9, 2013, 8:30 AM
Welcome Inn, Elizabeth, IL
The restaurant is graciously providing a room, so please come early and order off the menu.
Eagle Watch
Sponsored by the Dubuque Audubon Society
January 19, 2013, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Grand River Center, Dubuque, Iowa
This event will be the highlight of your January calendar!
Luminary Night Hike
January 26, 2013
4:30 - 8:30 PM
Casper Bluff Land & Water Preserve
Regardless of what the weather brings, Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve will be the site of an exciting winter night hike with luminary-lit trails. Come experience this spectacular setting along the Mississippi River in winter with friends and family. Then warm up with a bonfire and hot cocoa.
Rental of snowshoes and skis are available with advance reservation through Fever River Outfitters by phone at 815-776-9425. For more information see Fever River's events page.
A $5 donation per person toward the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is recommended. Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve is located at 870 S. Pilot Knob Road, about five miles south of Galena, IL.
Potluck Meeting
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
February 6, 2013, 5:30 PM
2000 Territory Drive, Galena, IL
Featured speaker: Randy Nyboer
"What I Did on My Summer Vacation... The Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Update"
Randy has worked in an environmental capacity with the state of Illinois for many years and is an expert on local flora and fauna. We are honored to have him speak at our event. You won't want to miss his presentation.
Bring table service and a dish to pass. Thanks to Carol and Jim Mantey for hosting the event and arranging for Randy Nyboer to speak. In case of inclement weather, please call Julie Bruser at 815-777-4011 to determine if the event has been cancelled or rescheduled.
Invasive Species Workshops
This set of workshops helps property owners control more effectively these plants. Cory Ritterbusch, owner of Prairie Works, Inc., a local ecological restoration firm, leads these workshops. Cory is also Noxious Weed Commissioner for Jo Daviess County.
There is no registration cost with the donation of ten volunteer hours to JDCF. For directions and to register, please contact JDCF at 815-858-9100.
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Herbaceous Invasive Plants
January 19, 2013, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Apple River Fort, Elizabeth, IL -
Woody Invasive Plants
February 9, 2013, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Apple River Fort, Elizabeth, IL -
Field demonstration
March 16, 2013, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Schurmeier Teaching Forest, Elizabeth, IL
On the eagle tours in winter 2011 we regularly counted at least 60 eagles. One date had at least 100 soaring and diving overhead.
Eagle Tours
Lost Mound Refuge
Two-hour tours begin at 9:00 AM on each of these Saturdays:
- February 9, 2013
- February 16, 2013
- February 23, 2013
- March 2, 2013
- March 9, 2013
- March 16, 2013
Our small groups will be driven along the backwaters of the Mississippi where we often get up close and personal with these magnificent raptors. Dress warmly. Bring your binoculars.
No charge for JDCF members, but donations are gratefully accepted. Non-JDCF members will receive a bonus one year membership for a $35 per person donation.
Space is extremely limited. Tours usually sell out. Call the Jo Daviess Conservation office at 815-858-9100 to reserve your seat.
Prescribed Prairie Burn School and Team Organization
March 2, 2013
Galena Territory Property Owners Club,
2000 Territory Dr., Galena, IL
8:30 AM — optional 'burn basics' class
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM — required organization meeting
All new participants or people who would like to review basic prescribed burn planning and execution should arrive at 8:30. At about 11:00 AM we will begin a session for all burn team members. This session will review material of
importance to all team participants and finalize the schedule for 2013 burns. If you plan to skip the basic material,
please arrive by 10:45 AM. Bring your personal calendar so that burn schedules can be reviewed and finalized.
All burn team participants must be Guardian members. Nonmembers can be enrolled
the morning of the school. Any questions, contact Emily Lubcke (815-777-2000), elubcke@thegalenaterritory.com or Jeff Horn (815-858-9100, jeff@jdcf.org).
Prairie Programs, Conservation Guardians
Business Meeting
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
March 6, 2013, 8:30 AM
Second floor conference room
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
126 N. Main St., Elizabeth, IL
JDCF Annual Meeting
Special Guest: Arctic Wolf
March 23, 2013, 5:00 PM
Chestnut Mountain Resort, Hanover, Illinois
The Pella Wildlife Company will discuss the wolf as well as other wild canines in this special, live-animal presentation.
Space is limited! The cost is $45.00/person. Cash bar available. For more information or to RSVP, please contact JDCF at 815-858-9100 or info@jdcf.org
Potluck Meeting
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
April 3, 2013, 5:00 PM
Barrel Room, Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery
4746 N. Ford Road, Galena, IL
Featured speaker: Jim Angel
"The 2012 Drought: It's impact locally and what continuing drought throughout the nation could mean for life in America."
Jim is an expert on all things related to weather and climate, including droughts, floods, winter storms, heat waves, tornadoes, and long-term climate change, both past and present. He is based at the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and he talks on climate issues all around the state.
Bring your questions along with a dish to pass and your table service.
Frog Walk
April 12, 2013, 7:00 PM
Galena River
Come listen to the exuberant calls of frogs that are right in our neighborhood. Children and adults will find this event equally exciting. Learn the differences between a toad and a frog — and how to identify them by sound.
This event begins below the Meeker Street footbridge along the Galena River Trail. We commence with a toast to spring and a short educational session about frogs. Then everyone has the opportunity to hike along the River Trail toward Buehler Preserve, looking and listening for the different species of frongs and toads.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a flashlight for this free event. Parking is available on Park Avenue and Jefferson Street in Galena.
River Clean Up
April 20, 2013, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ferry Landing, Galena, Illinois
Postponed due to rising water levels.
We are blessed with clean water and beautiful secenery, and it is time to do your part to keep it that way. Join the cause in the River Clean Up 2013. This important community event helps to ensure that our local rivers will continue to provide us with clean drinking water, to support fish and wildlife, and to give us the opportunity to enjoy fishing and paddling for years to come. Clean rivers are vital to our health and happiness.
This event draws support from local groups and businesses such as Galena Boat Club, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montgomery Trucking, and many others. This is a great opportunity to get your family or group involved. Please bring bring reusable water bottles and any shovels that you have. Anyone with a boat that can be used for the day will be reimbursed gas expenses. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothes, gloves, and boots. Lunch is provided for all volunteers. Registration is required.
The River Clean Up takes place at Ferry Landing outside of Galena. To reach the Landing, take Highway 20 to West Street in Galena. Go west on West Street. It will turn into N. Ferry Landing Road. Follow it to the boat launch.
For more information or to register your group, please call Carrie at 815-858-9100 or send email to educator@jdcf.org.
Feeder-Cleaning Fundraiser on
Earth Day
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
April 21, 2013, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wild Birds Unlimited, 206 N. Main Street, Galena, Illinois
815-777-2883
Drop off feeders at the store starting April 12. Pick up anytime between April 21 and 30.
Clean bird feeders keep wild birds healthy and spring is the perfect time to get them nice and clean. Here's your chance to let someone else do the cleaning for you — and benefit the educational programs of the Conservation Guardians at the same time. Volunteers will clean your feeders for a small fee that will be donated in full to the Guardians/Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. If you can't come on April 21, drop off your feeders early and pick them up later. We'd be happy to arrange special dates for you or even pick up or deliver to your house in the Galena area.
Spring Bird Count
& Potluck
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
May 4, 2013, All Day, All roads within Jo Daviess County
Contact Grace Storch if you wish to participate. Potluck following the count.
Report from prior bird counts.
Spring Saunter
May 11, 2013, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Schurmeier Teaching Forest, Elizabeth, Illinois
Join us for a spring wildflower hunt in Schurmeier Teaching Forest. Expert staff and volunteers from JDCF will point out migratory birds and unique wildflowers, while strolling approximately one mile through the forest. This is a free event.
To reach Schurmeier Teaching Forest, turn south on Derinda Road off of Hwy 20 just east of Elizabeth. Follow Derinda to Tower Road and turn right. Take Tower to the end and turn left on Reusch Road. The forest is about one-half mile down on the left. Parking is on the right. Meet at the shelter near the parking area.
If you have binoculars, bring them. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy boots.
What Tree is This?
June 1, 2013
Galena Territory Association Owner's Club
This tree identification workshop is co-sponsored by JDCF and the Galena Territory Association Greenspace Committee. This free event will help you learn what trees are on your property and in your community. This event will help you gain a life-long respect for our natural world. The workshop will cover trees native to Jo Daviess County.
After a two-hour presentation, participants will travel the trails and sharpen their identification skills. No prior experience is necessary. This class is appropriate for anyone ages 10 and over.
To register for this call, please contact Carrie Haas at 815-858-9100 or send an email to educator@jdcf.org.
Camp Casper
July 15 - 19, 2013, 1:00 PM each day
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, Galena, Illinois
Children from six to ten years of age are invited to discover and reflect on the wonders of nature in this outdoor education summer camp at beautiful Casper Bluff.
Each year this camp focuses on an aspect of plants, animals, and Native American land use, culture, and tradition. This year, the theme will be water and the Mississippi watershed. Emphasis will be on understanding our
the ecosystems found along watersheds, the importance of fresh water conservation
and sustainability and the historical, cultural and economic impacts of our local rivers.
The program may include a visit to the National
Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque and a boat ride on the river.
Prairie cinquefoil
Native American Prairie Day
July 27, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Wapello Land and Water Reserve, Hanover, Illinois
Wapello Land & Water Reserve will be the site of one a unique opportunity to experience Native American culture firsthand. Your hosts are volunteer caretakers of the restored Illinois prairie, the Friends of the Hanover Land and Archaeological Reserve, and JDCF. They'll provide free 30-minute tours of the buried Native American village and the ceremonial Bead Mound, depicting life on the prairie 1000 years ago.
See demonstrations of the ancient weapon the atlatl thrower. Hear Native American story-telling. View local archaeological collections of stone tools, arrowhead points, and pottery. All this and the thousands of wildflowers in full bloom on the prairie makes this a wonderful event for the whole family.
Annual Picnic
Conservation Guardians
of Northwest Illinois
August 3, 2013, 5:00 PM
Patinkin Barn, 6153 S. Speer Rd., Hanover, Illinois
Silent Auction, Fun. Proceeds will benefit education programs, newsletter mailings, and prairie restoration projects. All JDCF/CGNI members are invited.
Bring a dish to pass.
Bark, Berries & Nuts
September 21, 2012
Schurmeier Teaching Forest, Elizabeth, Illinois
Come celebrate the changing seasons. Learn to identify our native trees by their bark, berries, and fruits. This free annual event, appropriate for the whole family, will take place at Schurmeier Teaching Forest.
Expert staff and volunteers will take you on a hike of approximately one mile, while pointing out native trees, wildflowers, and berries. Please wear weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy boots.
