Category Archives: Events

Sunday, April 6, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Plant and animal extinctions are occurring globally at an accelerating rate. “Habitat loss” is often given as a reason and around the world people attempt to reverse these losses by preserving remaining habitats. Unfortunately these areas are not immune to what happens outside their boundaries.

John Cebula, who is actively involved in many conservation projects, examines the most common and most harmful threats to protected areas, threats that compromise their intended purpose and offers suggestions on how individuals can aid threatened species.

Friday, March 21st @ 7pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

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 north of the Prairie House deck. From that vantage point, 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 9*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Jack Doyle will present a program on the history of the Chicago Elevated Railways and the Westchester L as part of the celebration of Westchester’s centennial.

The presentation will cover the full history of Chicago’s elevated railway and the extension of the Garfield Park L to Westchester, providing a direct ride to the Chicago loop. The Westchester L was abandoned in 1951 and the land left vacant includes the location of today’s Prairie House School Museum and Welcome Center to Wolf Road Prairie.

*Snow date: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Sunday, February 9*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Imagine traveling through time to see the places and learn about the people who have made Illinois famous. Professional photographer, naturalist and history buff Jim Rowan has put together some of his favorite images of places you can visit to experience our historical and natural wonders first hand.

Come enjoy this slide presentation and hear Jim’s personal travel recollections at the historic Prairie House School Museum and Welcome Center to Wolf Road Prairie.

*Snow date: Sunday, February 23, 2025

Sunday, January 26*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

Wolf Road Prairie Steward Wyatt Widmer will give a presentation addressing the History, Make-up, Challenges and Wonders of the prairie, with video footage and images spanning the seasons.

This presentation is part of a series recognizing Save the Prairie Society’s 50 years of commitment to preserving Wolf Road Prairie.

*Snow date: Sunday, February 2, 2025

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

This program will address the origins and history of some of our traditional holiday baked goods and other sweet treats. Many of these delights come from the Old World and spring from specific customs and circumstances that are interesting to explore.

Enjoy a holiday atmosphere, coffee time and a few samples of the items we discuss.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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