Volo Bog State Natural Area notes

For information and to make reservations, call (815) 344-1294 or Ameritech Relay for the hearing impaired (800) 526-0844, or e-mail dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. All programs are free. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Astronomy nights: Astronomy nights, hosted by the Lake County Astronomical Society take place from 8:30 to 10 p.m. the third Friday of the month at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

The next meeting will be Friday.

A business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and viewing if skies are clear at about 9:30 p.m.

The public is welcome. Memberships are available. For club information, visit the Web site www.lcas-astronomy.org/.

Shutter bugs: The Shutter Bugs Photo Club meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

The next meeting will be Nov. 21.

The meetings include how-to workshops, guest speakers and member competitions. Non-members are invited to attend, but membership is required to compete.

No reservations are required. The group is open to ages 14 to adult. Make reservations by sending an e-mail to dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or call (815) 344-1294.

After the Fall: "After the Fall," a tree walk will run from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 24 at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

Bark and buds, twigs and form, fallen nuts and other clues help to reveal a tree's identity after the fall. This walk, led by naturalist Stacy Iwanicki, is geared to adults and youth ages 12 and older.

To register, call (815) 344-1294 or send e-mail to dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.

Winter wetland botany: Volo Bog State Natural Area will offer a workshop on winter wetland botany from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1.

This workshop will focus on trees, shrubs and the dried remains of the flowering plants that persist in this Illinois wetland.

Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki will lead this workshop that will take place indoors and outside.

Children ages 12 to adult are welcome. To register, call (815) 344-1294 or send e-mail to dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.

Bird walks: Bird walks will be offered at 8 a.m. Dec 1 and 8 at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

Led by McHenry County Audubon members Randy Schietzelt and Joel Orlinsky, the walks begin in the main parking lot then venture into and around Volo Bog.

Birders of all skill levels work together to search for and identify waterfowl, raptors and songbirds including fall warblers.

Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars and field guides or borrow from the leaders. The program is geared to adults and kids ages 6 and older.

To make reservations, e-mail to dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or call (815) 344-1294.

You Be the Judge: Guests can cast their vote through Jan. 11 in Volo Bog's 21st Annual Photo Contest and come to Winterfest Jan. 13 to see the winners.

Guided tours: Guided tours of Volo Bog are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Volo Bog is Illinois' only remaining open-water quaking bog. Autumn brings splashes of color to the unique wetland: golden tamaracks, maroon, orange and yellow sumacs and red winterberry holly.

The ever-present carnivorous pitcher plants not to mention birds, frogs, turtles and other animals all add interest to the guided bog tours.

Public tours are open to individuals, families and small groups without reservations. Groups of 10 or more are asked to call (815) 344-1294 for special arrangements. Tours run about one hour.