Animals, plants and nature
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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.
May 8
Northwest Suburban Astronomers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, Vogelei Barn, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Richard Doctor, Argonne National Laboratory, Energy Systems division, presents "The History and Science of the Greenshouse-Astronomical connections." nsaclub.org.
Flower and plant sale: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, May 8; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Annuals, border and potted plants, flats, baskets and planters. Benefits the Capital Improvement Fund. (847) 53-4839.
Flower and plant sale: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 9, Maine West High School, 1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines. Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets and flats. Sponsored by the Maine West Athletic Boosters, Dollars for Scholars and Fine Arts Boosters.
Spring plant sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 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.
Reseda Garden Club perennial sale: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, entrance to the Reseda Housing area on Hicks Road. (847) 358-5825.
Elk Grove Garden Club plant sale: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Farm House Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. Garden plants, annuals and perennials, vegetables and herbs, garden decorations and magazines.
Field & Flower Garden Club plant sale: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 9, Jewel parking lot, 150 W. Main St., Barrington. Perennials are freshly dug from member's gardens. Come early for the best choices. (847) 382-1869.
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 13
Pet blessing: 10 a.m. Wednesday May 13, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Pet Blessing to be included in a worship service led by Pastor Jean Duram of Living Lord Lutheran Church of Bartlett. Bring your pets to be blessed. Free, for reservations, (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com
Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 6:30 p.m. May 13, Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Designing with Victoria presents "Principles of Four Season Design," will be presented. Learn how to design a mixed border of evergreens, shrubs, perennials, annuals and vegetables. Bring a picture of your garden. Carol, at (847) 818-3200, ext. 230.
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.
Training to be Top Dog: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Elk Grove Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave. Free seminar open to the public on common dog training and behavioral issues by professional dog trainer Alex Brooks of the Alex Brooks Canine Center in Des Plaines. Registration require, call (847) 223-5313.
Read To Rover: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-5 can sign up to read to Calvin and Gracie, two certified therapy dogs. No parents or siblings allowed in the room during the 15-minute session. Sign up in person at the Ask Here desk on the first floor. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
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.
Garden Club of Inverness luncheon: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, Inverness Golf Club. Installation of officers, luncheon. Deadline for reservations is Friday, May 15. Call Beth, (847) 934-7929.
May 16
The South Church plant sale: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, corner of Shabonee Trail and Maple Street, Mount Prospect. Variety of flowers, bedding and accent plants, vegetables, and herbs sold, individually and in flats, as well as baskets and pouches. Proceeds support the "Plant a Row" garden, which provides fresh vegetables to the CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center Food Pantry. thesouthchurch.com.
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.
Palatine Garden Club plant sale: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16, Jewel parking lot at Hicks and Dundee roads. Locally grown perennials.
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.
Four Paws Animal Foundation pet contest, bake sale: Registration from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 16, Banbury Fair, 211 Railroad Ave., Bartlett. Judging begins at 12:30 p.m. National Pet Week celebrations includes contests, bake sale, pet photos. For entry categories, to donate baked goods, or for information, call (630) 289-0478
Park Ridge Garden Club plant sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Hodges Park, Courtland and Vine, Park Ridge. Perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. Cash and checks only. (847) 692-2229.
Rolling Meadows Hometown Plant and Craft Sale: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 3200 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, fresh compost and leaf mulch. Crafters with outdoor and nature themed creations, kid's corner. Free admission. Carol, (847) 818-3200, ext. 230.
Wheeling Garden Club plant sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Northgate and Dundee roads, Wheeling. Annuals and perennials. Helen, (847) 537-9279.
Music of Nature: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, James "Pate" Philip State Park. Combine your child's love of nature and music in one class. Ages 4-8 with or without adult. $15. Register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
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.
May 18
Arlington Heights Garden Club: Monday, May 18, Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Colleen Graudins and Toby Koch discuss why our soil is the way it is and what we can do to make it better. Kathy, (847) 259-5273 or kshend@aol.com/
May 19
Elk Grove Garden Club: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, Elk Grove Library, 1000 Wellington, Elk Grove Village. "Woodies 101-Underused and Small Trees and Shrubs. Free. Cath, (847) 593-0453 or cek379@sbcglobal.net.
June 2
Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club: 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.
June 5
Four Paws garage sale: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. Four Paws Animal Foundation is accepting donations of general household items, children's toy, books, pet items, etc., in good condition, to be sold at its annual garage/bake sale fundraiser to benefit rescue/adoption efforts. Call (630) 289-0478 for drop off locations and information.
Barkaritaville: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, Bark Avenue Daycamp,1540 Hecht Road, Bartlett. Fundraiser for the West Suburban Humane Society, allows pet owners, prospective pet adopters and all-around pet lovers to enjoy a day of food, fun and DJ entertainment all while raising funds for the shelter and care of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats in the counties of DuPage, Will, Cook, Kane, Kendall, Lake and McHenry. $25 per person; $10 per dog; $15 for kids under 12; kids 2 years and younger are free.
Salt Creek cleanup: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday June 6, Elk Grove Village. Meet at Elk Grove High School along the creek at 9 a.m., to help clean up in and along Salt Creek. Volunteers will be provided garbage bags, gloves and pick up stix to use. Dress for the weather and possible muddy conditions. Waders and or canoes especially welcomed. Contact Nick, (847) 828-1141 or creekguy@comcast.net.
June 20
Bike Path Kickoff: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Pedal by ponds and through woods as you try out the new 10-mile bike path. Whole Foods has a fueling station; REI has a Bike Safety Rodeo for kids a basic bike safety check for adults. (847) 381-6592.
June 28
Park Ridge Garden Club Garden Walk: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 408 S. Lincoln, Park Ridge. Featuring six gardens plus a raffle and light refreshments. $15. (847) 208-7269.
July 19
Arlington Heights Garden Club Garden Walk and Unique Boutique: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19. View six residential gardens of varying styles. $10, benefits scholarships and conservation programs. Free admission to the Unique Boutique, which features distinctive garden ornaments, crafts and perennials at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont, Arlington Heights. Kathy, (847) 259-5273 or kshend@aol.com.
Aug. 3
Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club: 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.
Sept. 18
Prairie Woods Audubon Society: 5:30 p.m. bird walk; 7 p.m. meeting/presentation Thursday, Sept. 18, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg. Pat Winkelman, president of the Vehe Farm Foundation will speak about the farm in Deer Park.
Sept. 21.
Prairie Woods Audubon Society field trip: 3-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, Illinois Beach State Park, Zion. Meet at the North Unit parking lot or at 2 p.m. at the Bank of Palatine, Northwest Highway and Plum Grove Road, to carpool. Cyndi, (847) 776-8713.
Sept. 26
South Barrington Park District Pet Fair: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, Arboretum Mall, routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Various pet businesses, local pet shops, veterinarians, animal communicator, animal massage therapy, adoption agencies, contests, training demonstrations, photos, prizes, more. For event information or to participate as a vendor, call (847) 381-7515.
Oct. 11
Prairie Woods Audubon Society: 3 p.m.-dusk, Sunday, Oct. 11, Stillman Nature Center, South Barrington. "The Big Sit." Bring a folding chair, munchies and beverage and sit and count the bird species. Meet at the dock/picnic area. Cyndi, (847) 776-8713.
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.
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.
Wheeling Garden Club scholarship: Wheeling Garden Club is accepting application for scholarship assistance for local resident wishing to enroll in classes dealing with horticulture, entomology, trees, landscaping or residential gardening. Call Joyce at (847) 537-0567 for an application.