Saturday, April 25, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Wolf Road Prairie Workday @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

On the April 25 workday, we will be participating in the City Nature Challenge, documenting the species we see using iNaturalist. Please join us! Contact Mary Zaander for more details.

Friday, March 27, 7:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Guide: E.J. Neafsey

Join our Woodcock experts at dusk to see the male woodcocks perform their daring courtship flight.

Every spring, our male Woodcocks return to an area a little south of the Prairie House deck. From that vantage point, when the weather conditions are just right, one can watch their dramatic and dangerous flights. It is their way of attracting a female. They are showing off their courage. Just before the male takes off, he makes loud nasal peent calls that are preceded by soft throaty notes. Periodically, the male launches into flight flying higher and higher, about a hundred feet from the ground.

No other bird performs a more dangerous courtship flight. Join us and see and hear this unique and daring courtship flight from the deck of the Prairie house.

Sunday, March 8, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Presenter: Jack Shouba

While all but a small percentage of the original prairie landscape of Illinois was lost to farming in the nineteenth century, cemeteries meant to keep the memory of early settlers alive also gave refuge to quite a few remnant prairies. Come learn more about this history and how volunteers monitor the progress of unique native plants preserved there over time.

Sunday, February 22, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Presenter: Patricia Reaves

This presentation addresses the English Staffordshire Ironstone tableware that was imported to the United States throughout the Victorian era. It was widely available for purchase and would have been at home in our early community of Franzosenbusch. The focus will be on transfer ware Ironstone, makers and markings, and how these historic relics are still collectible today.

Sunday, January 25, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

In part two of a continuing series, photographer and naturalist Jim Rowan will present more of his favorite images from decades traveling to State Parks in the United States and Provincial Parks in Canada.

His focus is on the unique travel opportunities to visit unusual sights that help us stay in touch with native landscapes and the wildlife they support. After showing local favorites like the Indiana Dunes and Castle Rock, Jim will share memories from parks out west, way up north and all the way to the islands of Hawaii.

Sunday, December 14, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Presenter: Patricia Reaves

Come learn about the origin and practices of decorating trees for the holidays, where the ornamentations of today were traditionally made, how holiday markets grew to spread the cheer and how it all evolved with trends throughout the decades.

Every Sunday in November, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Join us for a historic fashion exhibit going back in time from 1920 to 1820. Authentic clothing from the different periods will be on display accompanied by brief explanations of the items’ sources, materials and what made them representative for their periods. Judge for yourself how they compare to what we wear today and wonder at the artistry, workmanship and resourcefulness of their creators.

Sunday, September 14, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Join us for our late summer Insect Safari with naturalist guides Michael Rush and Larry Godson.

Using nets provided by Save The Prairie Society, participants will be able to catch, identify and study a variety of insects. In the end, we will release them back onto the prairie. Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!