The Middlefork Chapter of Illinois Audubon is pleased to announce that the new state director for the Illinois Audubon Society, Dr. Jim Herkert, is coming to Danville for a meet and greet and to bring his vision and updates for the Illinois Audubon Society statewide. Illinois Audubon is Illinois' oldest non-profit, independent conservation organization, founded in 1897 as an advocate for wildlife. Since the 1970's Illinois Audubon has also been a land trust, stewarding high quality lands and waters throughout Illinois and buying endangered natural lands to be resold to state and federal organizations for further protection. With local IAS chapters throughout the state, the organization continues to offer natural land stewardship and advocacy as well as local hikes, programs, and work days for the general public and its members.…

It is spring and bluebirds are in the area selecting nesting territory, and that means it’s time to get your nest boxes ready! Now is the time to walk your trails and check all the boxes to ensure they are all in good condition and cleaned out for the incoming nesters. Middlefork Audubon has a bluebird fund for upkeep of the trails, and replacement boxes and other materials are available. Middlefork Audubon appreciates your time and dedication to this important and valuable program that helps our local nesting bird populations while, at the same time, providing important data that tracks the status of these bird populations from year to year. With nearly 40 monitors overseeing 390 boxes in Vermilion County through the Middlefork Audubon bluebird monitoring program, we want to…

Historically bird monitoring has played a vital role in understanding and benefiting birds. When determining whether or not a species should be added to the endangered species list long term monitoring data is used. Come learn about a few ongoing bird monitoring programs we have here in Illinois and why they are such important resources. Tara Beveroth, Ornithologist from the Illinois Natural History Survey,​ will present 7:00pm, Thursday, February 23 at the Danville Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.