Nature, Science & Environment Events

Fundraising sale features seven native plant species in 4-inch pots. In honor of Arbor Day, 50 pin and black oak seedlings in 15-inch seedling containers will be offered. All proceeds fund the Elkhart Pollinator Habitat and the young summer maintenance helpers.

Saturdays in April. Elkhart Historical Society plans walks through the Elkhart Hill woodlands to observe flowering species. Reservations required. Final day will be a combination wildflower and bird event. On April 27, birders Dr. Lara Borgerson, Joe Funk and Rhetta Jack will join the 2pm walk. Tony Rothering will demonstrate bird banding at 7:30am, 9am and 10:30am. Call to make reservations. 217-947-2238

Two Sunday bird hikes are now being offered at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary in response to requests for weekend outings. Join Springfield Audubon Society’s Joe Gardner to scan the sanctuary’s woodland and prairie for spring migrants and resident species. 217-544-2473

Work with others or independently on a variety of stewardship projects at various properties. Learn about our properties and the diversity of plants and animals. Call or text for location and details. Hosted by the Friends of the Sangamon Valley. 217-493-3115

Matt Hayes of the Illinois Audubon Society will lead hikes during the spring bird migration, providing opportunities to spot migrants as they pass through the sanctuary and watch the activities of species that will nest here as they seek territories and mates. 217-544-2473

Learn about planting milkweed, the importance of pollinator gardens and how you can help with the pollinator garden in your neighborhood park. Take home free milkweed. 9-11am at the Nelson Center in Lincoln Park. 1-3pm at Jaycee Park 2400 E. Monroe and Washington Park 1501 South Grand Ave.

Lights and noises are turned down to make the museum more comfortable for visitors with sensory differences so they can explore and discover the galleries at their own pace. Headphones are available for loan at the Admissions Desk. 217-971-4435

This month, Susan Helm will share her story of becoming an active community volunteer specializing in establishing pollinator gardens and habitats using native plants. She became interested in this in 2012 while directing a group of 25 University of Illinois extension volunteers to establish two pollinator gardens at the Dana-Thomas House. Since then, she has worked with both the city of Springfield and the Springfield Park District to establish and support pollinator gardens. She and fellow volunteer Brenda Larison have grown more than 2,500 native milkweeds, a favored pollinator for monarch butterflies, for giveaway through the parks for the last… 217-899-3283

This free gardening club for school-aged children will be taught by Alana Reynolds of Grow Springfield and the Butler School Garden. Children will help manage three raised beds in the EPNG. Drop-in welcome. 217-610-0720

The area's largest native plant sale in both diversity and quantity. Native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and multiple milkweed species to help you create a habitat at home, plus many other great species that benefit native wildlife. The plants are grown from local seed sources when available. 217-243-6055

Celebrate Your Neighborhood Park Pollinator Garden with a Milkweed Giveaway coming this May!!You'll be able to...- Meet your neighborhood pollinator garden & Parks Foundation volunteers- Learn all about planting milkweed & importance of pollinator gardens- Take home your free milkweed!- Learn how you can help with your neighborhood park pollinator garden *****Saturday, May 11thPark Pollinator Garden Supporters:Meet us at - 9:00am-11:00am | Enos Park*with the Enos Park Neighborhood Association

A judged show of many types of Iris blooms sponsored by the Sangamon Valley Iris Society. Amateurs welcome to participate with named varieties to be in place by 10 am. Open to public viewing from 1 to 4pm. 217-529-8014

Experience the unique beauty of central Illinois with outdoor activities for the whole family. Bird banding demonstrations, prairie tours and wetlands tours. 217-553-3738

This gardening club for school-aged children will be taught by Alana Reynolds of Grow Springfield and the Butler School Garden. Children will help manage three raised beds in the Enos Park Neighborhood Garden. Drop-ins are welcome. 217-610-0720