A new book, Meadowbrook: A History by CCAS Vice President Roger Digges, tells the story of how the Urbana Park District turned a farm into an iconic park that provides a unique blend of nature, art, recreation, and learning.

Join this walking tour for ages 14+, led by Roger Digges, to witness firsthand Meadowbrook Park’s rich history. Meet at the Meadowbrook Park Garden Pavilion (Race Street entrance) at 2pm, and the tour will depart from there. The walk will cover approximately two miles along accessible paved paths.

Learn more about the birds that live in this region with avian biologists from the University of Illinois. They will capture and band live birds with mist-nets, and talk about unique traits of each species as well as the importance of bird banding for conservation. Rain backup date: May 18. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more info: https://ccfpd.org/events/details/world-migratory-bird-day-mist-netting-demo

This Native Plant Festival and Sale aims to provide the resources for people to establish their own pollinator gardens. Environment-based organizations will be present to discuss how attendees can shape their impact on the environment. There will be workshops about plant photography and biodiversity, native plants available for purchase, and more.

For more info visit:

• https://allevents.in/champaign/native-plantfestival-and-sale/200026212412003

• https://gwendolynhappstude.wixsite.com/nativeplantfestival

Show some love for our home planet by celebrating Earth Day as you enjoy a springtime stroll through Crystal Lake Park. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations by local community groups!

For more info: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-earth-day-for-everyone---2024

Come hear nationally known speaker and birder Tiffany Kersten at 7:30 PM Monday, May 8 in the Allerton Music Barn. Her talk will be part of an Elevating Women Birders event that begins at 4 PM and will include a bird banding demonstration and discussion with Aerin Tedesco on her record bird-spotting Champaign County Big Year.

There will also an optional bird hike available at 8:30 AM Tuesday, May 9 for those who register.

For details and to register, visit: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/elevating-women-birders-with-tiffany-kersten/

Please help the birds that use our creeks as their home by signing up to volunteer with the Boneyard Creek Community Day on April 22!

When registering, consider selecting the Anita Purves - Busey Woods/Crystal Lake Area location.

For details or to sign up, visit: http://www.boneyardcreek.org/index.html#register

The deadline to register online is April 17.

The Land Conservation Foundation is hosting the family-friendly annual Mudpuppy Festival to help spread the word about the fascinating foot-long mudpuppy salamander and its habitat, and CCAS will be there with a booth all about local birds!

Learn more: https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/mudpuppy-festival

Rain date: November 15

The University of Illinois will be hosting the 2022 Owl Night at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake Forest Preserve. Students will be presenting data from an ongoing research project on the migration and behavior of owls in central Illinois. This research project, which also includes a field experience course, involves capturing and tracking Northern Saw-whet Owls.

We invite you to join us to learn about owl life history, ecology, and behavior, and to see some owls up-close! Learn what you can do to help conserve these unique species.

This event is FREE and recommended for ages 5 and up. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be canceled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Learn more at the event page on Facebook.

Big Days are a 24-hour opportunity to celebrate birds near and far. Last October, more than 32,000 people from 195 countries submitted 78,000 checklists with eBird, demonstrating the power of birds to bring people together.

Wherever you are on 8 October, take a few minutes to join the world of birding on October Big Day. Participate from anywhere—even home! By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.

To learn more and get involved, visit https://ebird.org/news/october-big-day-2022

Our friends at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District are celebrating International Migratory Bird Day with presentations about birds and bird walks. Stop by the Interpretive Center at Homer Lake Forest Preserve anytime during program hours to learn more about the birds that migrate through our region during this time of year.

Learn more at the event page on the CCFPD website.

The Chapter Big Day is a competition between participating Chapters and Affiliates of the Illinois Audubon Society for the most species observed between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on May 14, 2022 anywhere within the borders of Illinois! All participants are required to pre-register.

See the event website for details.

Discover how you can make a positive impact on planet Earth as you enjoy a springtime stroll through Meadowbrook Park. There will be live music and art displays, activities and demonstrations by local community groups, a bicycle check-up station, and more! Rain date: Sunday, April 24.

For more information, visit: https://fb.me/e/1If9faKHq

The Land Conservation Foundation is hosting the family-friendly annual Mudpuppy Festival to help spread the word about the fascinating foot-long mudpuppy salamander and its habitat, and CCAS will be there with a booth all about local birds!

Learn more: https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/mudpuppy-festival

Our friends at Urbana Park District are hosting a free woodcock walk at Meadowbrook Park!

Learn more: https://www.urbanaparks.org/events/free-woodcock-walk-spring-2022