Two events highlight local wildlife

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Among those who deserve our support and admiration is Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, founded & headed by Dawn Keller. This year Flint Creek had one of its biggest challenges yet: raising two eaglets that had fallen out of their nest near Batavia. It was a moment of great joy when the young birds could be released on an island in Starved Rock State Park, where eagles gather all winter long. | Photo by Phil Hampel

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Updated: February 17, 2012 10:29AM

After devoting my year-end column to many of the organizations that I write about throughout the year, 2012 already has brought news of interesting programs to be presented by two of those groups. Jan. 21 will be a busy day for Citizens for Conservation and Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation.

At 9:30 a.m. Citizens for Conservation will present “Environmental Effects of Artificial Light” at the Barrington Area Library. The speaker will be Drew Carhart from the Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. He will focus on man-made light at night with special emphasis on its ecological and biological effects. From bats and songbirds to fireflies and fish, animals are known to change their behavior in response to light. A growing awareness of the importance of light and darkness to the natural world has led to questions in recent years about the effects of artificial light on wildlife.

The program will in the main floor meeting room with coffee, conversation, handouts and displays available at 9 a.m.

The charge is $10 for non-CFC members; members attend free. Payment will be accepted at the door, but please register in advance by calling CFC at (847) 382-7283 or sending an e-mail to cfc@citizensforconservation.org. Leave a phone number in case you need to be reached (i.e., overwhelming response or horrible weather).

Later that same morning meet at CFC headquarters, 459 W. Highway 22 (the white farmhouse with the silo across from Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital), at 11:30 a.m. for a joint CFC and Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation class, “Raptor in Flight,” as part of the Leave No Child Inside series. The first part of the class will be a hike around the Flint Creek Savanna prairie paths while stopping to view and learn about raptors. The second part of the class features Dawn Keller, founder and director of Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, who will guide a raptor in free flight. (If you were not able to attend the release of the two eaglets at Starved Rock State Park late last year, you will not want to miss this.) After the flight program, stay for hot chocolate and talk with Keller about her rehabilitation work.

The class is held outside, includes walking in snow or on frozen ground, and is open to children 5 and older. Caregivers are required to attend, and all should dress for the weather. The snow date is Jan. 22, but class will be canceled in case of inclement weather or if wind chills exist.

Class size is limited; completed registration forms are due by Jan. 13. The fee is $10 per person. Registration forms can be found at citizensforconservation.org or call CFC at (847) 382-7283. You also can e-mail youth-ed@citizensforconservation.org with any questions.

What a way to start the new year for those whose lives and interests are involved with the outdoors.

Send me your news: Barbaralbenson@aol.com or P.O. Box 1218, Barrington, IL 60011.