Jack Shouba, one of the founders of the Save the Prairie Society (STPS), describes the early history (c. 1973) of the STPS’s efforts to save the Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, IL.
The Biggest Little Farm
Sunday November 10, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us for a screening of the award-winning documentary, The Biggest Little Farm, about a young couple and community of friends who commit to turning a worn-out piece of land into a farm.
Their decision to preserve the wildlife inhabiting the land makes this a story of unexpected turns, culminating in a deeper respect for nature.
Backyard Birds of Prey
Sunday, October 13, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Hoos in the woods? Biologist Stacia Novy will talk about the raptors in our own residential neighborhoods. Hawks, eagles, falcons and owls encountered during a day or night on the town will
be covered. Ever wonder about the hawk that suddenly appears at your bird feeder? What about those strange calls heard in the middle of the night? And what kind of hawk sits on telephone wires? Attend this program to learn the answers and identities of these highly-urbanized, feathered friends!
Stacia in full chest waders checking birds’ nests in underground drainage tunnels
Using the flotation method to check the age of birds’ eggs in the field
With a trained Red-tailed Hawk
With freshly-trapped, wild hawks
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the species that Stacia will cover during her talk on raptors. The Red-tailed Hawk is commonly seen in urban areas and at Wolf Road Prairie.
Insect Safari
Sunday September 15, 12:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us for our next Insect Safari with naturalist guides Michael Rush, Jim Rowan 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!
The Annual Old Fashioned Prairie Fest
Saturday, September 7, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Save the Prairie Society invites you to a free community event: The Annual Old Fashioned Prairie Fest! at the parkway of the Prairie House. Rain date September 14.
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FREE Event! Something for everyone:
- Vendors will offer Arts and Crafts
- Prairie Society experts will offer Prairie Walking Tours
- STPS local historian will give tours of the 1870s farmhouse and the historic 1853 Schoolhouse Museum within
- Meet Special Guest Rick Schoenfield, author of The Soldiers Fell Like Autumn Leaves (on the Battle of the Wabash)
- Ledo’s Pizza will offer Food and Beverages
- Wool Spinning Demonstration
- Dulcimer Players will perform music on the front porch
- Lovely Handmade Quilts will be on display
- Our Information Booth will have more details on Prairie Events, Restoration Efforts and other Save the Prairie Society Volunteer Opportunities
What’s Going On With the Honeybee and other Pollinators?
Sunday, August 4 @ 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us for our next talk with bee expert Pete Soltesz of Illinois Bee Rescue and president of the Cook-DuPage Beekeepers Association. The topic is “What’s Going On With the Honeybee and other Pollinators?” Mr. Soltesz will also sell honey at the event.
Insect Safari
Saturday, July 13, 10:00am
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us for our summer Insect Safari with naturalist guides Michael Rush, Jim Rowan 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!
World National Parks
Sunday, June 9th @ 1-3pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us as the Prairie House welcomes photographer and naturalist James Rowan for another of his popular, slide presentations.
This time, Jim is featuring memorable views and stories gathered on decades of adventures abroad from the Natural Parks of the World.
U.S. National Parks
Sunday, May 5th @ 1-3pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us as the Prairie House welcomes the return of photographer and naturalist James Rowan. This coming Sunday, Jim will present the first of two talks on the World’s National Parks.
This first presentation will feature his wildlife and landscape photography taken over several decades exploring the premier and lesser-known National Parks of the United States.
Louis Joliett: A One-Act Play
Sunday, April 14th @ 1-3pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
2023 was the 350th anniversary of the expedition of Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette down the Mississippi.
Their journey dramatically affected the lives of both those coming to America and those already here. It’s an exciting story of exploration but also encounter.
Author and performer Jim Healy’s Louis Jolliet: A Solid Path Through Water will offer a connection between our past and questions which still confront us today.