Summary of our Autumn Programs

 By Connie Schmidt

Thanks to Jeff Gahris and his contacts and planning, the River Prairie Group held three fabulous programs this fall. All of them took place in person with a supplemental Zoom or Facebook live feature so folks at home could join as well. Thank heavens for technology, which is definitely extending our reach!

September - We had two speakers working together to give a view of Native American History of Glen Ellyn and Churchill Woods Forest Preserve and Beyond:

Kirk Burger, Assistant Director of the Glen Ellyn Historical Society, and Keith McClow, Heritage Experience Manager of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage.  It was a fascinating presentation on the original people of this community and a look into how many of us, as ancestors of European settlers, need to remember that history does not start with our encroachment on these lands. In fact, stay tuned to local news sources because on December 18 at 11:00 AM, Forest Preserve officials are planning a land acknowledgment ceremony in Churchill Woods to recognize this very concept. 

October - Trinity Pierce, Stewardship Manager for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, The Morton Arboretum, presented: Urban Forest Stewardship: Native Tree Selection & Community Engagement.

Trinity shared an informative power point presentation, narrating it with helpful tips on selecting and caring for trees for urban and suburban landscapes. In addition, she had a plethora of literature for folks to take to help with planning landscapes for private yards. She also offered tips for how to actively volunteer in multiple ways for this effort, a perfect addition for folks who don’t have yards of their own to embellish.

November - Lastly, we hosted a local author, Pauline Gambill, who discussed her book The Fox Feats and Shark Tales of Pollution Fighter Jim Phillips and Animal Rights Warrior Steve Hindi. Pauline gave an informative talk on Jim Phillips (aka "The Fox") and Steve Hindi, sharing plenty of stories about their escapades and accomplishments. She had copies of her book for sale and autographed them.