Professor to share insights on birds

A visiting professor from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois shares his experiences of trekking across Illinois grasslands, farmlands, cities and suburbs for three years as he plotted the location of all species of birds.

The program will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

Mike Ward, coordinator of the Critical Trends Assessment Program at the Illinois Natural History Survey, will share his insights regarding the trends in the state bird populations over the last 100 years.

Ward and fellow researchers collected data for comparison to the original Illinois Expedition of 1906. Ward's new book on the Illinois Expedition will also be available for sale. This program for adults ages 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration is required.

Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter, Landscapes. Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake. Call (815) 479-5779.