Northwest suburban pets and wildlife
Events that involve pets, animals and plants, such as pet washes, adoption days, nature walks, microchipping, nature photography exhibits, nature tours, bird walks, calls for volunteers for nature-related work days, etc. Deadline is two weeks before event date.
Be Citizens for Conservation volunteer: Citizens for Conservation restoration volunteers work from 9-11 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday. Jobs include: sowing legume seed, cutting brush, rescuing native plants and planting sedges. Meet at 459 West Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. Look for the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Bring work gloves, dress for the weather, tools provided. For information, call (847) 382-7283.
Going Green with Native Plants: The Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg Community Garden Club are accepting pre-orders until Monday, April 20, for the annual sale of native wildflowers, grasses, trees and shrubs.
Order forms and a list of plants can be obtained by calling the Spring Valley Nature Center at (847) 985-2100 or viewed and downloaded from schaumburggardenclub.com.
Garden Club scholarship: Through April 13. The Buffalo Grove Garden Club is accepting applications for college scholarships to be awarded to students of Horticulture, Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Botany, Agriculture or related fields for the 2009-10 academic year. The application is available online, at bgparkdistrict.org/in_gardenclub.htm. For information, e-mail bmeca@comcast.net.
April 11
Citizens for Conservation deer program: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Chris Anchor, senior biologist for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, presents, " Living with Deer." Free, donations taken at the door. Reservations to (847) 382-SAVE.
Doggy Egg Hunt: 10-10:45 p.m. dogs under 30 pounds; 11:15-noon dogs over 30 pounds, Saturday, April 11, Pirates' Cove Theme Park, Elk Grove Village. Dogs hunt for eggs. $10-$15. To register, (847) 437-9494.
April 14
Buffalo Grove Garden Club Plant sale: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Alcott Center. Variety of annual bedding plants, perennials, baskets, planters, accent plants, herbs, grasses and tomato plants. Pre-order at bgparkdistrict.org/in_gardenclub before Tuesday, April 14. bggardenclub@comcast.net.
Plant Sale: Order forms are due by Thursday, April 14, for pickup at the sale, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive Buffalo Grove. The sale will feature a variety of annual bedding plants, perennials, baskets, planters, accent plants, savory herbs, grasses and popular varieties of tomato plants. The order form is at bgparkdistrict.org/in_gardenclub.htm. There will be a cash-and-carry sale as well as pickup for items ordered in advance. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and assist in selecting plant material. For information, e-mail bggardenclub@comcast.net.
April 16
Garden Club of Inverness: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Diane Hunter follows the migration ot the Monarch butterfly. Carole, cjbass@comcast.net.
April 17
Birding 101: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 and 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Basics of bird identification; introduction to binoculars and field glasses, search habitats for resident and migratory birds. Registration required. $10-$15. (847) 428-6957.
April 18
Go Green for Earth Day: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington. See how easy it is to be green as you hike to stations on the green walkway to celebrate Earth Day. Activities, children's area, native tree give-a-way, more. (847) 381-6592.
Public Star Party: 7:30 p.m. sunset Saturday, April 18, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, in McHenry County. Look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of NSA member telescopes. Gordon, (847) 231-3145.
Nippersink Garden Club: Meets 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the home of a member in Spring Grove. Bring a dish to pass, refreshments served. nippersinkgardenclub.org or Jan at (815) 675-6760.
Boating for non-boaters class: Saturday, April 18, Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. United States Coast Guard members teach a primer on boat safety geared for people who go on someone else's boat. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
April 19
Springtime on the Farm: 12-4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
Experience Schaumburg as a rural German farm community just as it was in the 1880s. Hands-on activities, craft, games, refreshments, hay ride, more. Food and beverages available for purchase. $2 per person; $8 per family. Free for children 3 and under.
Sunday morning bird walk: 8 a.m. Sundays April 19 and 26, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Mark Spreyer leads walk in search of migratory and resident birds. Bring binoculars and field guides. Register at (847) 428-6957.
Illinois Doberman Rescue: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, Family Dog Center of Crystal Lake, 6200 Berkshire Drive. Adoption event. ildoberescue.com.
April 20
Plant sale: Pre-orders appecpted through April 20. The Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg Community Garden Club are accepting pre-orders for its annual sale of native wildflowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. Order forms and a list of plants can be obtained by calling Spring Valley Nature Center, (847) 985-2100 or schaumburggardenclub.com.
April 22
Greening Your Home Garden: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Eliza Fournier, manager of community gardening at the Chicago Botanic Garden, will demonstrate ways to green up your outdoor spaces. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.
April 23
Barrington Antique and Garden Show: noon-7 p.m. Thursday, April 23; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, Ice House Mall and Village Shops, 200 Applebee St., Barrington. Regional and local antique dealers, garden inspired gifts, more. (847) 381-6661 or icehousemall.com.
April 24
Flying Wild educators workshop: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 24, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Learn interactive activities to teach students about migratory birds and their conservation. $20. (847) 428-6957
April 25
Midwest Bird Expo 2009: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, main hall, Dupage Country Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. midwestbirdexpo.com.
Earth and Arbor Day at The Conservatory: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Participate in activities centered on environmental stewardship. Help plant a tree, share tips on going green, children's activities, games, contests, more. All ages, admission free. (847) 298-3500.
April 26
Rain garden seminar: 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26, Red's Garden Center, Northbrook. Managing water in your landscape. Register at redsgardencenter.com or (847) 272-1209.
Sunday morning bird walk: 8 a.m. Sunday April 26, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Mark Spreyer leads walk in search of migratory and resident birds. Bring binoculars and field guides. Register at (847) 428-6957.
Cavalier Spring Fling Paw-ty: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton. Guest speakers, pet items for sale, raffle, food, games. Hosted by the Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue, all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels welcome.
April 27
Orphans of the Storm benefit dinner: 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort, Lincolnshire.
"Living a Pet Friendly Life."Guest Speakers are Margaret Littman (The Dog Lover's Companion Guide to Chicago) and Jamie Damato (Animal Sense, Dog Behaviorist). Cocktails, silent auction, dinner. $250. (847) 945-0235.
April 29
Grow your own vegetables: 708:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Learn how to get started on a summer vegetable and herb garden. Class fee $15-$20. (847) 298-3500.
May 3
Bird Banding: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday May 3, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Watch Mark Spreyer, a licensed bird bander, measure, weigh and record data about migratory birds. For ages 8 and over. Free. (847) 428-6957.
Wildflower walks: 2 p.m. Sundays May 3 and 10, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Explore Stillman's woodlands in search of ephemeral beauties such as white trillium, may-apple, Virginia bluebell, and jack-in-the-pulpit. For ages over 10. (847) 428-6957.
Cinco de Meow: 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, El Sombrero, 1100 S. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect. Fundraiser to benefit the animals at Heartland Animal Shelter. Mexican buffet, raffles, music, games, prizes, more. $25 per person. Reservations available at heartlandanimalsshelter.net or send check to Heartland Animal Shelter, 2975 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062.
Native Plant Sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Community Garden Club and Spring Valley Nature Center host. Native prairie plants, woodland wildflowers, grasses, native shrubs and other eco friendly gardening items. Find order forms at schaumburggardenclub.com. (847) 985-2100.
May 4
Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club: 8 p.m. Monday, May 4, Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.
May 9
Spring plant sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Mary 9, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Selection of annuals and perennials, containers, assorted vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets, more. (847) 298-3500.
Spring plant and flower sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. Variety of hanging baskets, garden flowers, vegetables, ground cover. Master gardeners on hand to answer questions, bake sale. Benefits United Methodist Women's Missions. (847) 439-0950 or trinitymp.org.
May 7
Free information seminar: 8-8:45 p.m. Thursday, May 7, Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital, 1056 W. Golf Road, Hoffman Estates."Toxins and Your Pet" by Dr. Sandy Behm. (847) 310-8668.
May 10
Wildflower walks: 2 p.m. Sunday May 10, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Explore Stillman's woodlands in search of ephemeral beauties such as white trillium, may-apple, Virginia bluebell, and jack-in-the-pulpit. For ages over 10. (847) 428-6957.
May 14
Buffalo Grove Garden Club plant sale: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May, 16, Alcott Center, Buffalo Grove. Variety of bedding plants, perennials, baskets, planters, accent plants, savory herbs, grasses and tomato plants. Pre-order at bgparkdistrict.org/in_gardenclub before Tuesday, April 14. For information, bggardenclub@comcast.net.
May 15
Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue garage sale: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 1816 St. Andrews Drive, Vernon Hills. Small furniture, household items, children's clothing, baby items, toys, games, books, more. Benefits rescued dogs. ourhouseofhoperescue.net or (773) 552-4673.
May 16
Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club Plant sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 16; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center, 3849 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. Perennial and native plants contributed from members' gardens, heirloom tomato plants, assortment of herbs. Penny, (847) 540-8212.
Buffalo Grove Garden Club Plant Sale: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive Buffalo Grove. The sale will feature a variety of annual bedding plants, perennials, baskets, planters, accent plants, savory herbs, grasses and popular varieties of tomato plants. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and assist in selecting plant material. For information, e-mail bggardenclub@comcast.net.
May 17
Bird Day: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Spot migrating birds with the experts from Prairie Woods Audubon Society, view art work, survive the bird obstacle course, bird Bingo, more. (847) 381-6592.
Raptor Sunday: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, Barrington. Meet the great horned barn and screech owl, peregrine falcon and broad-winged hawk. $5 per car. (847) 428-6957.
All Breed Lurecoursing Fun Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton. Two runs $15-additional runs $7 if preregistered; two runs $20- additional runs $7 walk-ins. Lunch available for purchase. annes4@aol.com to register.
June 2
Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club: 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.
Ongoing
Midwest Bass Busters: Bass fishing club is looking for new members at any experience level. No boat is necessary. Monthly meetings are held at The Where Else Lounge, Higgins Road and Lively Blvd., in Elk Grove Village. The club fishes one weekend a month from April-October. Call Len (847) 870-7070.
Garden Club of Inverness scholarships: Students who live in the area serviced by District 211 and Barrington High School and who plan to major in horticulture or environmentally related studies in college are invited to apply. Applications available at the guidance officers in District 211 and Barrington High School.
Nippersink Garden Club: A new garden club is forming to serve northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Members of the Nippersink Garden Club are coming together because of the love of gardening and the love of the Nippersink Creek area and waterways. Membership is open to all interested men, women and their children. Membership will be free and 2009 meetings are yet to be determined. Visit nippersinkgardenclub.org or contact Stacy at (262) 279-5992 for details.
Stillman Nature Center: Volunteers are being sought to help in a variety of areas including, landscape maintenance, birds of prey and more. (847) 428-6957 or stillnc@wildblue.net.