Programs & Events
July 2010

Your interest may be the deciding factor to run a program!  Most programs require advanced registration.  Please try to register at least 7 days in advance.  Waiting until the last minute may result in a program being canceled due to low enrollment or missing out because it is full. Please register for classes by calling 309.874.2174 or emailing register-sgnc@earthlink.net.

Our newsletter, The Nature of the Grove, is available in PDF form. Check it out, HERE.

Please Check Out Our 2010 Summer Nature Study Programs, HERE

Family Nature Exploration Day
Saturday, July 3
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bring the family out for a day of fun at the Nature Center!  A guided hike will take place at 11:00 a.m., stop inside to create a make-and-take craft at any time, and don't miss animal feeding time at 1:00 p.m.  Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
Fee: Free, No registration required.

Imagination Grove Fun Day
Friday, July 9
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
While Imagination Grove, our nature play area, is open daily, we have designated this special day for you to meet other like-minded families that enjoy and appreciate nature-based play.  Bring a nature item from home to trade at the Nature Trading Post: shells, nuts, rocks, or anything else you would like to trade.  We will supply lemonade and snacks, you bring energy and imagination!
Fee: Free, although a donation of birdseed, sugar (for hummingbirds), or peanut butter would be appreciation; No registration required.

Funks Grove Stewardship Work Days
Saturdays, July 10 & 24
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. ( Please note earlier summer schedule )
Join Don Schmidt as he leads a faithful group of volunteers in a variety of stewardship activities every other Saturday throughout the year. Stop out on occasion to assist with exotic species removal, seed collection, and other projects or join the group on a regular basis .
Fee: Free, No registration required for individuals. Please let us know if you are bring a group.

Best Friends: Animals & Plants that Help Each Other
(Summer Nature Study Program Ages 6 - 8)
Tuesday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Paint-Out at Sugar Grove Nature Center
Saturday, July 17, 2010
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Grab your paints, brushes, and easels!  Join plein air painter Dale C. Evans for a fun day at Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove.  Plein air is the art of painting "in the open air," and a paint-out is a gathering of plein air artists.  The day will start with a brief introduction to materials and techniques for the outdoor artist.  Then, find a beautiful spot to create your work of art.  The painting session will be followed by a sack lunch (bring your own) and "show and tell."
This paint-out is open to artists of all levels of experience and all media (oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, etc.).  A list of recommended supplies and tips can be obtained HERE, or by contacting Dale C. Evans at ukelinatik@aol.com.  This event will take place rain or shine.  There are plenty of locations under cover.
Fee: $3/member, $5/non-member; No registration required.

Blacksmith Demonstrations
Saturday, July 17
9:00 a.m. - noon
On the third Saturday of every month, the public is invited to observe local members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith’s Association as they work at the Sugar Grove Forge, across the parking lot from the Nature Center. 
Fee: Free, No registration required.  

Acoustic Irish Music Jam Session
Saturday, July 17
10:00 a.m. - noon
Acoustic musicians of all levels are invited to join an Irish-music jam session at the Nature Center on the 3rd Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. - noon.   Experienced players will be on hand to lead beginners through a couple of tunes at a slow pace to start, then they will progress to an up-to-speed session of traditional Irish tunes.  Listeners (and players) are welcome to come-and-go as they enjoy all of the other activities at Sugar Grove Nature Center.  For more details, contact Martha Tyner at mtyner@iwu.edu.
Fee: Free, No registration required.

TCAA Public Viewing Sessions: Globular Star Clusters
Saturday, July 17
9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
The Twin City Amateur Astronomers welcome all ages to take part in a public viewing session.  Each session begins with a short lecture on the featured sky object, as well as other interesting celestial objects that might be viewed that evening.  This is followed by a sky tour of major constellations and planets.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  In the event of a cloudy sky, the observing session and associated talk may be cancelled.  Call Carl at 309.830.4085 or Lee at 309.824.2804 after 6:00 p.m. to confirm if you are unsure.  For more information, visit www.tcaa.us.
Fee: Free; no registration required.

Illinois Butterflies - ENTICE Workshop
Monday, July 19, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Flutter in and join other educators of grades kindergarten through six as we are introduced to the butterflies of Illinois! Butterfly life history, identification, conservation and adaptations will be discussed. Information on developing butterfly habitat will also be included. Learn about Monarch Watch and other butterfly conservation programs. We’ll go outside to observe and identify butterflies in native habitats. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Fee: $10, Register at https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

Creek Adventure
(Summer Nature Study Program Ages 9 - 12)
Tues. - Thurs., July 20 - 22; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Funks Grove Stewardship Work Days
Saturday, July 24
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. ( Please note earlier summer schedule )
Join Don Schmidt as he leads a faithful group of volunteers in a variety of stewardship activities every other Saturday throughout the year. Stop out on occasion to assist with exotic species removal, seed collection, and other projects or join the group on a regular basis .
Fee: Free, No registration required for individuals. Please let us know if you are bring a group.

Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday, July 24, 2010
8:30 a.m. - noon
Retired Miller Park Zoo Director, John Tobias, will share techniques and tricks for taking better photographs of nature and wildlife.  His combination of years of experience working with animals and spectacular photographic skills makes him a uniquely qualified instructor.  John has taught many photography courses and has been on the jury of several photo competitions.  The bulk of the morning will be spent outdoors photographing landscapes, plants, insects, and birds.
Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member; Registration required.

Nature Photography contest
Do you like to take pictures of animals, plants, or people in nature?  Sugar Grove Nature Center is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a Nature Photography Contest.  This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your photographic talent as well as the natural beauty of central Illinois.  The contest includes both an adult and youth (under 13 years) division.  Photographs must be taken in McLean County or the surrounding counties in Illinois.  There will be a prize for the best photograph taken in Funks Grove, and prizes will be awarded for winners in each division and category.  Specific prizes will be announced no later than August 1, and will include items such as gift cards, photography books, and Nature Center Memberships.  Photographs taken from January 1, 2009 through October 1, 2010 are eligible for submission.  Entry forms and rules for the contest are available at http://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/photocontest.