There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
April
Yoga at the Conservatory
Ongoing, Thurs. noon-1 p.m. Work out those winter kinks as you strengthen and gently tone your way to a healthy mind, body and soul. For all levels of experience; bring a yoga mat and water, and wear comfortable, loose clothing. Drop in or purchase punch card. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Tribute to Local African-American Officials
Through April 28, Sun. 2-4 p.m. The exhibit highlights the careers of elected or appointed African-Americans who have served Rockford and Winnebago County; showcasing the accomplishments of Marcella Harris, elected to the school board in 1965, and Charles Box, elected mayor in 1989. Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-7402, ethnicheritagemuseum.org.
Teen Job Readiness
April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn important tips and skills necessary for part-time employment, such as resumé information, interviewing suggestions, personal appearance and attitude. Rockford Public Library (RPL), Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St., Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Adapting to Climate Change
April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. How is climate change affecting prairie, wetland and savanna natural areas in our region, and what can we do about it? Find out about the vulnerabilities and resilience inherent in our region. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
April 19 & May 18, 7:30-9 p.m. Take a stroll in the moonlight, listen to owls, gaze at the stars and share the mysteries of the dark. Reg. online or by phone. Severson Dells, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Birding 101
April 20, 10-11 a.m. During this program, novices to birding learn about bird anatomy, bird songs, the basics of bird identification, and using field guides and binoculars. Reg. online or by phone. Severson Dells, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Earth Day Fundraiser
April 22, 7 p.m. Musicians donate their talents in this festive gathering, paying tribute to Pete Seeger, the grandfather of Earth Day. Sing his tunes and hear special stories; proceeds pay for licensing fees. Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.
The Art of Yoga
April 23, 5:30-7 p.m. Students of all skill levels join instructor Taunia May in the galleries for an hourlong yoga session followed by a kombucha tasting from Bucha Bar. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Impact of Bison at Nachusa
April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Heather Herakovich of Northern Illinois University discusses how the reintroduction of bison at Nachusa Grasslands has impacted nesting birds and their food sources. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com
Yoga with Amanda Stivers
April 24-May 29, Wed. 9-10 a.m. Participants learn a variety of yoga poses and breathing exercises to stretch and strengthen the body. Classes in the Fountain Garden, weather permitting; otherwise in Clarcor Pavilion. Bring yoga mat and water. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
How to Start Your Business
April 25, 6-7:30 p.m. Learn exactly what you need to do to launch your business in Illinois, state-specific requirements, filings and available advantages. Small Business Development Center, East Branch, RPL, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 966-2748, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Cork & Canvas
April 25, 8 p.m. Local printmaker Sarah Reed-McNamara teaches participants how to print on textiles with patterns. One tea towel is provided; students may bring additional items to print; Supplies and two drinks included. Reg. at Eventbrite.com. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Alzheimer’s Association Unforgettable Art Benefit
April 27, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music while watching 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art; artwork auctioned at the conclusion of the evening. Tickets online. Proceeds fund research, programs for and education of patients, families and caregivers. U of I College of Medicine-Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 324-0356, unforgettableart.org.
Turner Hall Fundraiser
April 28, 5 p.m. The celebration of 150 years of Turner Hall, an Emmental-style chalet built by Swiss immigrants. Evening includes a six-course dinner, silent auction and a presentation on the history of the hall. Turner Hall of Monroe, 1217 17th Ave., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-3461, turnerhallofmonroe.org.
May
Celebrate the Earth
May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring friends and family to share the beauty of the gardens; enjoy offerings from local food trucks, community exhibits, family education and activities for children. Raptor programs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Rotary Botanical Gardens (RBG), 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 314-850, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Echoes of My Ancestors
May 4, 1 p.m. Janice Rice, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, walks in the beauty of her ancestral homeland, formerly called Ke-Chunk, at the confluence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River. Rice is a retired librarian who focuses on American Indian resources, literature, culture, history, language preservation and revitalization. Nature at the Confluence Learning Center, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
Native Plant Sale
May 4-5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wild Ones of Rock River Valley offers native woodland plants just in time for spring planting. Plant shady areas with woodland wildflowers, grasses, sedges and ferns native to Northern Illinois. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Readers Theatre
May 13, 6:30 p.m. Directed by Dorothy Paige Turner, local actors read excerpts from known and lesser-known African-American plays. Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.