Spring Birds and Blooms
Saturday, April 11 | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Rock Springs Nature Center | 3939 Nearing Ln. | Decatur, IL
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn - no experience needed, just curiosity and a love for nature. Join us for a day of fun, discovery, and hands-on learning!
Throughout the day, you will:
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn - no experience needed, just curiosity and a love for nature. Join us for a day of fun, discovery, and hands-on learning!
Throughout the day, you will:
- Learn about spring birds and simple ways to identify them.
- Learn about colorful spring blooms and the native plants that attract birds and pollinators.
- Try out easy photography tips to capture what you find outdoors
- Learn to use nature apps that help you identify and explore plants and wildlife.
- Optional hike at the end of the day to put your newfound knowledge to good use.
** A continental breakfast will be served **
Meet the Speakers!
Rob Kanter is a writer, photographer, and naturalist who recently retired from the School of Earth, Society, and Environment at the University of Illinois. There, he taught classes in environmental writing and multimedia communications, as well as environmental issues and policy, all with an emphasis on local subjects. Residents of central Illinois may also remember him as the writer and narrator of "Environmental Almanac", a weekly program that ran for 16 years as a column in the Sunday edition of the Champaign News-Gazette and a radio commentary on WILL-AM 580. Through his work, he hopes to communicate passion for the outdoors and to inspire others to cultivate their own deep connections with wild creatures and local habitats. Whether identifying birds by ear, guiding others through a forest or prairie, or sharing his photographs, Rob seeks to help people see nature with fresh eyes. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him walks away with both knowledge and a renewed sense of wonder.
Melody Arnold became a Master Naturalist in 2010, but she has been a "naturalist" all her life. Growing up on a farm near a large river and spending time roaming the hills, she developed a deep love for nature. Melody taught biology and was an Interpretive Naturalist/Education Specialist with the Macon County Conservation District. She is now "mostly" retired, but is still involved in special projects. She enjoys gardening, with a special focus on native plants, as well as birding.
Meet the Speakers!
Rob Kanter is a writer, photographer, and naturalist who recently retired from the School of Earth, Society, and Environment at the University of Illinois. There, he taught classes in environmental writing and multimedia communications, as well as environmental issues and policy, all with an emphasis on local subjects. Residents of central Illinois may also remember him as the writer and narrator of "Environmental Almanac", a weekly program that ran for 16 years as a column in the Sunday edition of the Champaign News-Gazette and a radio commentary on WILL-AM 580. Through his work, he hopes to communicate passion for the outdoors and to inspire others to cultivate their own deep connections with wild creatures and local habitats. Whether identifying birds by ear, guiding others through a forest or prairie, or sharing his photographs, Rob seeks to help people see nature with fresh eyes. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him walks away with both knowledge and a renewed sense of wonder.
Melody Arnold became a Master Naturalist in 2010, but she has been a "naturalist" all her life. Growing up on a farm near a large river and spending time roaming the hills, she developed a deep love for nature. Melody taught biology and was an Interpretive Naturalist/Education Specialist with the Macon County Conservation District. She is now "mostly" retired, but is still involved in special projects. She enjoys gardening, with a special focus on native plants, as well as birding.