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Morton Arboretum explores 'The Prairie in Art and Literature'

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle, offers a variety of programs including guided hikes, beginning bird watching and more.

The Prairie in Art & Literature:

In this interactive online talk, natural history author and prairie steward Cindy Crosby will explore historical and contemporary writers and artists, musicians, and other creatives working in the prairie genre: from Neil Young to Willa Cather to graphic comic artists and jewellers expressing the prairie through their work. The session will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. The fee is $23 or $16 for members. Register at www.mortonarb.org or call (630) 719-2468, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The tallgrass prairie is usually thought of for its diverse community of plants, animals, and insects. Yet, it is also an inspiration for a creative community. Come away inspired to appreciate and express your love of the tallgrass as you enjoy learning about this prairie "community."

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler, or contributor to more than 20 books, including "The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction," co-author of "Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit" and author of "Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural and Cultural History." Cindy is a prairie steward at the Schulenberg Prairie and Nachusa Grasslands, and coordinates dragonfly monitoring programs at both sites. She earned a Master's Degree in Natural Resources at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and is a Certified Interpretive Trainer with the NAI. She blogs each week at Tuesdays in the Tallgrass @Wordpress and teaches natural history and trains naturalists in the Chicago region. Find out more on www.cindycrosby.com.

Guided hike:

Hike the Arboretum's lesser-known trails with a naturalist guide. Stretch your legs and get some fresh air while you learn about the history of the Arboretum and the plants and animals that call it home. The next date will be 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, March 19. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain. There is a nine-person limit; you must be age 16 or older. The program will begin at parking lot 8 (P-8). The fee, which includes admission to the Arboretum, is $23 or $16 for members. To sign up or to be wait-listed, visit www.mortonarb.org/courses/or call (630) 719-2468, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Beginning Bird-watching:

In this single morning workshop for beginners, learn how to find birds, discuss equipment, what to wear, keeping track of your observations, and more with Vicky Sroczynski. It will be offered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 27, or April 3, at Thornhill Picnic Shelter, P-21.

It will begin in the Thornhill Shelter with a short lesson on birding basics. Then participants will stroll around the Arboretum to observe birds that inhabit Illinois all year, learning key bird features for identification and how to match birds to their preferred food or habitat as you walk.

Sroczynski has 18 years experience birding. She serves as a Bird Monitor, recording breeding birds for the DuPage Forest Preserve District, and conducts Winter Raptor Surveys and counts fall-migrating hawks for Hawk Migration Association of North America. She completed the Ornithology Certificate Program here at the Arboretum, and has led walks and taught Beginning Bird-watching for several years.

The fee, which includes admission to the Arboretum, is $37 or $30 for members. To sign up, visit www.mortonarb.org/courses/or call (630) 719-2468, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This class meets outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for walking on trails, including long pants and close toed walking shoes. There is an eight-person limit.

Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide, if you have them; a limited number will be available to check out during class. Remember to bring a water bottle.

Cindy Crosby
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