Led by some of JWP’s finest, weekend bird walks are held during peak migration at our local bird oases, including the Merwin Nature Preserve owned by the ParkLands Foundation. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., can all be seen at this location. Merwin is also home to a population of red-headed woodpeckers! Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. We even have 4 pairs of loaner binoculars!
Park in the main lot on 1925E.
Come join us for our May workday along Sugar Creek! We need help improving Sugar Creek in designated areas throughout Bloomington and Normal, by clearing invasive plant species and managing the non-invasive plants.
Volunteers must be 18 years old or older (or 14 and accompanied by a parent or guardian) and be able to hike along uneven terrain and safely use basic hand tools such as loppers and bow saws.
The Sugar Creek Stewards is part of the Ecology Action Center’s Clean Water programming, and is supported by the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal. For more information, contact us.
Participants will be emailed confirmation and workday information the Friday before the workday.
COVID-19 Protocol: Per CDC and state guidelines, vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks when engaging in outdoor activities. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools, gloves, and reusable water bottle (tools will be provided if you do not have any).
The Illinois Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones will hold our 11th annual plant sale at the White Oak Community Building in Carlock on May 21, 8am to 1pm. Native flowers, grasses and sedges that are native to Central IL will be available for purchase. The sale is open to the public. Members of Wild Ones receive a discount and it is possible to join at the sale. For more information, visit our website. Cash or check only.
Led by some of JWP’s finest, weekend bird walks are held during peak migration at our local bird oases, including Ewing Park. Within Ewing, Hedge Apple Woods was designated an Important Bird Area for migration in 2016. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., can all be seen at this location. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. We even have 4 pairs of loaner binoculars!
In partnership with the Friends of the Constitution Trail, help us plant sapling trees along Route 66/Constitution Trail to improve air quality, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, provide shade, and more! Volunteers will use shovels and other tools to plant root-ball sapling trees – 6-8′ tall. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older or alternately 12 years or older and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tools and heavy equipment will be in use and all volunteers must be able to safely use hand tools, stay on their feet for 2 hours at a time and lift a moderate weight (~25 pounds). Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops.
Led by some of JWP’s finest, weekend bird walks are held during peak migration at our local bird oases, including Hidden Creek Park in Normal. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., are all seen at this location. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. We even have 4 pairs of loaner binoculars!
Parking is available on the street. The park has a wheelchair-accessible trail.
Join us for the annual meeting on Sunday, May 15 at the Sugar Grove Nature Center at Funk’s Grove. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. with a bird walk. Following the walk, the brief business meeting will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. Hot coffee and a continental breakfast will be provided. We will discuss our new strategic plan and upcoming events, AND you’ll have a chance to meet the JWP board. You may even win a t-shirt with our new logo! This is always a fun event, and birding at Sugar Grove during spring migration is something you won’t want to miss. Members and non-members are welcome!
Led by some of JWP’s finest, weekend bird walks are held during peak migration at our local bird oases. The May 14 walk will be at Ewing Park. Within Ewing, Hedge Apple Woods was designated an Important Bird Area for migration in 2016. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., all are seen at this location. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. We even have 4 pairs of loaner binoculars!
