Volo Bog State Natural Area notes
For more 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.
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. Saturday.
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, which will take place both 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. Saturday and Dec 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.
Of Bogs & Books: Of Bogs & Books is a book discussion group that meets on the second Saturday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Volo Bog State Natural Area's Visitor Center Library. Adults gather over morning coffee and snacks to review environmental, outdoor and natural history literature. Reservations are requested.
• Dec. 8: "Beowulf" is a classic English epic poem, and now a movie. It celebrates the national hero, Beowulf, who saves the people and the land from the monster, Grendel, and then from his vengeful mother. And Grendel happens to live in a bog. Written more 1,000 years ago and based on ballads 500 years older than that, this story ranks among the most famous epics of all time. Participants are encouraged to read one of the many translations or tellings and to see the movie.
• Jan. 12: "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman addresses what happens when people are no longer present in the landscape. From ancient ruins to abandoned lots, the book explores how quickly nature reclaims the turf.
• Feb. 9: "Last Child in the Woods -- Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder" by Richard Louv was first discussed in 2005. The group will revisit the book in order to invite a broader audience. The discussion will continue into the afternoon with guest speakers and a forum to include public officials, educators, parents, grandparents and others.
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.
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 at www.lcas-astronomy.org/.
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.