Follow our grand prairie bird alliance Page on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.

volunteer workday at hidden creek

Saturday, June 21, 8 - 10 a.m.

Location: 100 W Sycamore 

At our annual gathering, we were asked to provide opportunities for volunteer service in the parks that we love. So here’s your chance to join us for a workday at one of our favorite parks for birdwatching! We will remove exotic species like honeysuckle and buckthorn to make way for native plantings that will provide the birds with healthy food and cover. We can also clean up litter. Town of Normal Parks and Rec staff will be on hand to assist with plant removal and stump treatment to ensure our work has a lasting impact. Parks can provide pruners or loppers, but feel free to bring your own. They will also provide gloves and garbage bags.

summer bird walks

Have you seen - or heard - your favorite summer birds this year? The nighthawk. The indigo bunting. the yellow warbler. Come see these birds and more with local birdwatching experts at some of our favorite local parks in July as part of National Parks and Recreation Month. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds! We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along with us and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 8 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com. 

night bugs at underwood park!

Saturday, July 26, 9 p.m.

Location: 900 S. Linden (across from Connie Link)

Help us celebrate our local biodiversity by joining us for our “Night Bugs!” event co-sponsored by the Urban Butterfly Initiative and Normal Parks & Recreation Department. We’ll have lights to attract night-flying moths, beetles, and other insects and microscopes set up to help view them closely. We’ll also have hands-on instruction on how to use the iNaturalist app to identify and record insects for those who are interested!

Educational talks and Expert Speakers

This summer, we are happy to promote the “Pollinator Power: Gardening in Containers and Beyond” event hosted by University of Illinois Extension on Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at 1615 Commerce Parkway in Bloomington. Pre-registration and a $5 fee is required. Check the Facebook link for more info.

Over the years, we have been able to bring in some wonderful speakers to share with us their studies and expertise in many different areas including conservation, environmental legislation, local projects, and world events. Join us for these complimentary programs in the fall, open to the community.  For up-to-date information, please join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance page on Facebook.