There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
August
Hour of Code
Through Dec. 4, first Tue. of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Prof. Chuck Konkol of Rock Valley College hosts public workshops that focus on topics such as building an iPhone game, learning Javascript and making an animated holiday card. RSVP online. CherryVale Mall, 2nd floor, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, rvchourofcode.com.
Mythbusting Nature
Aug. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Join Connie McIntosh, U of I Extension master naturalist and nature photographer, to correct misconceptions about local wildlife, uncover lesser-known facts and play fact or fiction to learn about nature in the Rockford region. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
AJG: On the Wings of Bats
Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Barbara Williams, naturalist, photographer and lecturer, speaks about bats in Japanese arts and design, as well as bats found in other countries and northern Illinois. Reg. requested. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Nature Journaling
Aug. 19 & Sept. 16, 1-3 p.m. Learn new journaling skills and take to the woods or fields to record your experiences. Insect repellant, long pants and socks recommended. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Essential Oils and Kids
Aug. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. Learn how to use essential oils for emotional, respiratory, immune, digestive and sleep support. Make colorful, oil-infused playdough to take home. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Gardening for Pollinators
Aug. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. Learn how to help pollinators do their important job by planting to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Aviation Lecture Series
Aug. 22 & Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m. Learn about Germany’s secret aviation weapons of 1919 and the first female flight attendant. Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 547-3115, poplargrovewingsandwheels.com.
Beekeeping as a Hobby
Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Join Bob Arevalo as he shares some of his adventures in beekeeping. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Amazing Migrations
Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Why do so many animals and insects migrate great distances in search of ideal weather for their species? How do they know where they’re going? Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Foraging: Eat Local, Drink Local
Aug. 29, 6-7 p.m. Hear about the importance of native plants, pollinators and water conservation, and how they tie in to what we like to eat and drink. Reg. online. Natural Land Institute, Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.
September
Alternative Facts & American History
Sept. 4, 6:30-8 p.m. Did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree? Did the Pilgrims eat turkey at Thanksgiving? Learn the truth about American myths and discover forgotten tales from American history. Discuss how we can fact-check stories and think critically about information today. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.
RAM: Coffee with the Curator
Sept. 7, 10 a.m. A behind-the-scenes look into the process of curating the Rockford Midwestern Biennial exhibit. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Fall Plant Sale
Sept. 7-9, Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Choose from a wide range of perennials, grasses, mums, kale and shrubs; rich compost, also. Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Horticulture Center, 825 Sharon Road, Janesville, (608) 752-2750, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Illinois in 2218
Sept. 11, 7-8 p.m. What might the Prairie State look like in 200 years? Hear about the latest findings in climatology, biology and geology, as Ray Wiggers analyzes the possible futures for our state and the world at large. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Garden Art Auction
Sept. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sip a cool drink and bid on projects from the summer’s “Hop to It” garden art exhibit. Proceeds help sustain the gardens. Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt
Sept. 14-15, Fri. 3:30 p.m. kickoff. You and your team of up to six have 25 hours to answer 75 questions related to Severson Dells and Winnebago County forest preserves. Grand prize and second place to top teams; all teams receive swag. Enjoy live music and food at the post-hunt party, Sat. 4 p.m. Register your team online. Proceeds benefit nature education programs. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
River Day Trip
Sept. 22, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Spend the morning with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist learning about the flora, fauna and current research being conducted at the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge. Then, hike at Mississippi Palisades State Park. Bring a lunch; transportation provided. Reg. online. Meet at Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Escape Adulthood Recess
Sept. 24, 11:30-1 p.m. Do you have a case of “Adultitis?” Stressed, busy and overwhelmed? Author and artist Jason Kotecki uses his artistic gifts, combined with humor and storytelling, to help you restore balance, beat burnout and become more innovative. Proceeds help Goodwill Industries. Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 965-3795, goodwillni.org.