A Lively Book Discussion For Nature Lovers

 

 

Join us for lively discussion of nature and environmental themed books!
Everyone Welcome!

About the Book Club:

Beginning November 2 and November 4, 2025, River Prairie Pages meets on the first Sunday of November and March and again on the Tuesday after the first Sunday of November and March.

• November 2 @ 2 PM, Prairie Foods Co-op, 834 S. Westmore-Meyers Rd, Lombard
• November 4 @  PM, SCARCE, 800 S Rohlwing Rd, Unit D, Addison

There is no cost to participate. Light refreshments will be served or available for purchase (depending on location).

About Book Selections:

• Nature and environmental themed books; suggestions welcome!
• Selected books are approximately 300 pages or less.
• Selected books will be easily available through local libraries, thrift book sites and on Amazon. 

Pre-register if you would like to receive discussion questions ahead of time, along with other interesting tidbits about the author, the book content and related fun facts. Sign-up is not required but is preferred, with no obligation. To sign up, email or text Shannonburns112@gmail.com, 630-779-4893, (indicate "River Prairie Pages" in the subject heading).

Moderator:

River Prairie Pages is moderated by Shannon Burns. Dr. Burns has led book discussions for River Prairie Group and for the Forest Preserve District in DuPage County. To suggest a book for discussion, ask a question, or sign up for more information, email or text Shannon at Shannonburns112@gmail.com, 630-779-4893

River Prairie Pages First Book

Two Old Women, by Velma Wallis (1993)

Set in Alaska’s Yukon Region, this tale is based on an Athabascan Indian legend that has been passed on verbally generation after generation. The Author is an Athabascan Indian and heard the story from her mother before recording it in book form.

Two Old Women tells the story of aging women who have been known to complain more than they contribute to their tribe. As a result, when the tribe falls on hard times and must move on, the elders decide to leave the two old women behind when they move on.

In this award-winning tale of determination, betrayal and forgiveness, Wallis’ two heroines must decide to survive rather than give up. Through their journey, the old women find a new way of viewing their world through humility and strength that ultimately changes the tribe’s outlook on life.

Two Old Women provides a rich basis for discussing nature and environmental concerns. Additionally, this wonderful story lends itself to discussion of personal, local and global issues, such as individual responsibility for the whole, ways to be involved as part of the solution and the impact of aging on lifestyle and self-concept.

Join the discussion!  You’ll be glad you did.

Sierra Club Outing to Nicolas Conservatory and Anderson Gardens, Rockford, IL

By Jan Bradford

On Saturday, July 12, Sierra Club Outings leader Jan Bradford headed out to Rockford guiding a hike to the Nicolas Conservatory and Anderson Gardens. It rained the night before, so all were hoping there would be no rain on Saturday. The day started out bright and sunny with a light breeze and warmth from the sun.  

Jan arrived at the Conservatory first, with her group gathering soon thereafter. The small group was looking forward to seeing each other and the gardens. To the delight of the participants, it was Dinosaur Day at the Conservatory, which added a whole new dimension in the lush gardens. The group enjoyed the ancient plants such as Ginkgo trees and colorful orchids. They also learned about black pepper plants that make colors of peppers from an era long ago.

It looked as though a fella was taking pictures in the gardens outside the conservatory, but as they approached, the group realized it was yet another statue. Red-winged black birds darted about, threatening people in the gardens because they were protecting their babies. Once through the nesting area, the group observed swans, geese, fish, and other birds in the outside gardens.

The group headed to the bike trail leading to the nearby Anderson Gardens. There they saw many flowering plants and artwork, including a green dragon in the Rock River that someone put there for laughs. 

The next stop was the lovely Japanese gardens, also in the Rockford area. This sculpture garden was definitely worth the drive. There were lots of waterfalls, Japanese art, and garden design ideas. The group enjoyed the fish, turtles, ducks, and geese before heading back to their cars. This is a trip to repeat! 

Jan Bradford, Sierra Club leader since 2003

Prairie Food Co-op Opens in Lombard

By Jeff Gahris

It seemed like eternity for some of us, but the Prairie Food Co-op finally opened its doors on July 9th in Lombard. As the first food co-op in DuPage County, it has been 13 years in the making and is still a work in progress. After the ribbon cutting, with Jerry and Kathy Nash holding the shears, the crowd rushed in to shop. 

The store’s general manager is developing relationships with local vendors, but you may expect a lot of fresh organic produce, a bulk bin section, Halal meats, and much more. We celebrate the persistent hard work and achievements of the co-op organization, and look forward to shopping in the store. We also celebrate the commitment to community health by providing good food and the co-op’s commitment to environmental sustainability.