Learn about native plants, birds in Reed-Turner series
The Long Grove Park District is hosting a series of new monthly nature presentations this summer at the Reed-Turner Nature Center. These one-hour nature talks are given by the Lake County Forest Preserve Environmental Education staff.
In the Native Plants presentation, participants will learn the difference between native and nonnative plants and the benefits of using native plants in their home landscape.
Native plants are the lifeline for birds, insects and other wildlife. Over many years, they have formed a family, dependent on each other for shelter and food. Nonnative plants can disrupt this family, overcoming the ecosystem's long-standing balance of life.
Discover the variety of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers residents can use around their property to keep the ecosystem in balance. This program is from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, June 13.
The Habitat Guide to Birding program will reveal the lives of birds. It speaks to the importance of their habitat and why forest preserves are crucial to their continued success.
Every spring, thousands of birds migrate to Lake Country Forest Preserves to feed, rest and nest. They depend on the natural habitat of water and native vegetation that the forest preserves provide.
Lake County has a long-standing commitment to preserving and restoring bird habitats. As a result, Lake County's preserves are recognized for their exemplary habitats and as premier birding destinations. This program is from 1-2 p.m. Monday, July 29.
Finally, the Owls of Lake County presentation will talk about the eight different types of owls that can be found in Lake County throughout the year.
Many Long Grove residents have heard these mysterious creatures at night, and some have been lucky enough to see them, too. Learn about special adaptations these nocturnal animals have had to make in order to survive in the wild.
Pictures and hands-on exploration of owl artifacts will bring these adaptations to life. This presentation is from 1-2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12.
Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center is at 3849 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove. The program fee is $5. These programs are suggested for ages 16 and older. For more information, call the Long Grove Park District at (847) 438-4743 or email syoung@lgparks.org.