McHenry County Workshop is ‘for the birds’
Submitted by ECOmmunity Public Action Network
How do wild birds and animals manage to survive and thrive in our Illinois winters? You’ll learn how they do it — and how you can help — at this week’s “Winter is for the Birds” workshop hosted by the ECOmmunity Public Action Network of McHenry County.
Canceled last month due to heavy snow, this informative program will return to Woodstock from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at ECOmmunity’s Green Bag Meetup, a lunch-hour discussion group that meets on the second floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S. Johnson St. in downtown Woodstock.
This month’s guest is ornithologist Mark Spreyer, executive director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington, who will bring information about winter habitats, advice for backyard bird feeders, and ideas to help you create your own bird-friendly haven this spring. The round-table format allows time for each participant to ask questions and share their own project ideas. You also will learn how to make a bird feeder using an empty pop bottle, duct tape and a stick.
A celebrated naturalist and author, Spreyer is an organizer and past director of Chicago’s Peregrine Falcon release program, who specializes in the study of raptors and habitats. He has worked with wildlife refuges, museums and nonprofits throughout the nation. He now directs programs at the Stillman Nature Center, and also teaches Environmental Biology at the College of Lake County.
ECOmmunity Green Bag Meetups are open to the public. Attendees may arrive or leave whenever they like during the program, bring their own lunch (coffee and ice water are provided) or just come to join the conversation. Networking starts at 11:30 a.m., and continues after the program. A voluntary donation of $5 per person is requested to help cover program costs.
The ECOmmunity Public Action Network is an eco-friendly interest group that hosts monthly programs on a range of environmental topics. Individuals, businesses and community groups are invited to share information about their own “green”-themed projects, products or services. Tabletop display space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A $5 voluntary donation per-person helps to cover program costs.
To learn more, call (815) 337-2040, email ECOnet.mchenry@gmail.com or visit “ECOmmunity Network” on Facebook.com.