Midewin Prairie 101: Part II

August 11, 2021
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Facebook Live and C2ST YouTube TV

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Program Series:
Climate, Energy, and EnvironmentScience and Society

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*This program can be attended without background on Part I.  The area is so large, we need two sessions to share all its beauty.

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city.  Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as well as Visitor Information Assistant Laura Lewis as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series. 

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is located about 60 miles south of Chicago on Historic Route 66. Many trails are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Midewin offers an expansive 30-mile trail system — 8 miles for hiking and 22 miles for multi-use — Open to the public free of charge.  It is a hidden gem in our backyard that must be visited as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

This program is part of the Alvin H. Baum Environmental Series. For nearly two decades, Joel M. Friedman and the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund have advanced education, environment, anti-violence, and health and human service strategies and initiatives throughout Chicagoland. Together with community partners, the Fund endeavors to understand and address the causes rather than the symptoms of today’s most wicked challenges.

Event Details

Wednesday, August 11th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm CT, C2ST Facebook Live & C2ST TV YouTube Live.

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We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Please respect diversity in individuals and in cultures.

Featured Guests

Laura Lewis, Visitor Information Assistant

Laura Lewis has worked at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as a Visitor Information Assistant since June of 2016. She graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Laura routinely makes use of this knowledge to teach visitors about nature and the prairie.

Greg DuBois

Greg DuBois is in his sixth year of volunteer work at Midewin. His contributions at Midewin include construction projects, photographing special events, interpretive services for both child and adult programs and tours, and ecological monitoring, specifically for birds. Greg is the Vice-President and Program Director of Will County Audubon and is active in projects for Illinois Audubon.

Ron Kapala

Ron Kapala started volunteering at Midewin in October 2014. He has volunteered in restoration, Mighty Acorns, Tour Guide assistant, Tour Guide, and Bison Ranger and assists in various other Midewin programs, both in-person and virtually.

Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D.

Christina Sammet is a local resident and volunteer who feels privileged to live directly adjacent to the beautiful and vast Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. She was drawn to this volunteer opportunity by the inspiring mission of the Midewin, to heal and restore almost 20,000 acres of this unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Christina has participated for the last 3 years in volunteer activities at the Midewin including interpretive programs and ecological monitoring. In her day job, Christina is an Assistant Professor and medical physicist at a children’s hospital working on quality, safety , and research in medical imaging.