It's never too late -- or too early -- to start learning more about the natural world. Are you an adult who wants to know more about native plants or learn ways to lessen your impact on the Earth? Are you a parent concerned that your child is spending too much time in front of the computer? Are you a kid who wants to get out and romp in the woods? Our classes are just for you!

Don't forget the membership advantage! Registration begins  March 17 for members and  March 24  for non-members. Programs fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. Get a headstart on enrollment and a discount on program fees, and join today!

Spring 2008 Program Descriptions    Adult Natural History Series Little Trekkers Parent and Tot Nature Explorers After-School Adventures  After-School Explorers  Family Campfire: Frogs *New Date* Wetland Safari Bees and Butterflies Nature Birthday Parties All programs are held at the Lockhart Family Nature Center unless otherwise indicated. Adult Natural History Series Woodcock Romance Tuesday, April 15 6:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m. Shaw Prairie Long regarded as a harbinger of spring, the wild, euphoric flight of the male woodcock takes place in the romantic fading light of dusk on cool spring evenings. Discover the life cycle and natural history of the woodcock as we hike out to one of the best sites to view the incredible courtship display. Members $10, non-members $14 Native Landscaping Workshop Saturday, May 3 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Join John Mariani of Mariani Landscape as he discusses his passion for native landscape design.  Case studies from his business will be discussed as well as his personal experience restoring a Wisconsin farm. Members $10, non-members $14 Spring Woodland Wildflower Walk Saturday, May 17 9:00 a.m. –10:30 a.m. McCormick Ravine McCormick Ravine harbors an incredible diversity of beautiful springtime ephemerals. Join us for a relaxing walk to see these flowers in the peak of their bloom. Learn a bit about the natural history of these woodland wonders. Members $10, non-members $14 Bees as Pollinators Friday, June 13 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Learn about the domestic honeybee and its wild cousin, the native bee. Compare natural history and understand recent population decline. Peer into an actual working hive and taste a little local honey. Members $20, non-members $30     Little Trekkers Mondays, 1:00–3:00 p.m. April 14 - May 19 Little Trekkers set out on a new adventure each week in search of tadpoles, butterflies and other animal residents at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. This class is for the curious child who enjoys exploring, getting muddy and making discoveries. Children ages 4 and 5 Members $125 Non-members $175 Parent and Tot Nature Explorers Saturdays, 9:00–10:00 a.m. April 19 - May 17 Discover the wonders of the natural world with your child. Through role playing and exploration we will learn about the hidden workings of a beehive, search for tadpoles and make our own dirt with earthworms. Children ages 3 and 4 with one adult Members $80 Non-members $108  After-School Adventures Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m. April 22 - May 27 Explore local habitats and the plants and animals that call them home. Our adventures will take us to the prairie, savanna, forest, wetlands and more for hands on exploration and investigation. Children in 1st and 2nd grades Members $100 Non-members $139  After-School Explorers Tuesdays, 4:00–6:00 p.m. April 22 - May 13 Special Overnight: Friday, May 16 Explore a different preserve each week, by foot, bike and boat with an emphasis on adventure. Learn basic orienteering skills, fire building and tracking. Children in 3rd and 4th grades Members $145 Non-members $175 Family Campfire: Frogs *New Date* Friday, May 16 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.  The ponds are vibrating with the calls of frogs and toads. Learn how to identify the vocalizations of several local amphibians. Search at the wetland’s edge for frogs and then gather around an outdoor fire for stories and refreshments.  Members $8 per person Non-members $11 per person   Wetland Safari Saturday, June 7 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Moms and sons of all ages are invited to explore the wetlands.  Hunt and catch frogs, toads, salamanders and tadpoles and net for dragonfly nymphs and whirligig beetles. Dress to get wet and muddy. Members $8 per person Non-members $12 per person Bees and Butterflies Saturday, July 12 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Shaw Prairie   Dads and daughters of all ages will enjoy learning about the lives of our favorite pollinating partners. Use your imagination for role playing and art projects.   Members $8 per person Non-members $12 per person Nature Birthday Parties Celebrate your child’s next birthday with an outdoor adventure!  The party begins with an hour of instructor-led outdoor exploration and activities. Includes a half hour room rental and refreshments of your choice. Contact Karen Lewis at 847.482.1928 x 3 for more information.   Suggested for Children K-5th Grade Members $175 Non-members $245