Learn about the fascinating world of birds

Elkhart Historical Society presentation

[April 20, 2010] ELKHART -- On April 30, the Elkhart Historical Society will present "The Citizen Science of Birding," the third presentation in their dinner lecture series.

Tom Lerczak, natural areas preservation specialist with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, will talk about Illinois birds, attracting birds, natural habitats and Cornell University's FeederWatch program.

Lerczak has been involved with the management of over 100 nature preserve sites covering over 9,000 acres with natural communities that include native prairies, prairie restorations and reconstructions, secondary grasslands, savannas, forests, wetlands, and streams. He has a special interest in birds and bird communities as related to each of these specific habitats. He will share his many adventures in birding during his presentation.

Lerczak is also well-known for his natural history essays and memoirs, some of which can be found on his web log called "The River Landing," at http://theriverlanding.typepad.com/. He has written over 50 popular articles and book reviews in various publications and recently completed a book manuscript tentatively entitled "Of Life and Rivers."

The dinner lecture series is at The Wild Hare Café, 104 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., with the talk from 7 to 8 p.m. Reservations and prepayment are required and space is limited. Cost is $17.99. The dinner package price includes the meal, dessert, drink, tax and gratuity. The reservation deadline is April 22. For information and the online, printable reservation form, see www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org or call 217-947-2046.

Lerczak's presentation will be followed on May 1 with two bird walks on beautiful Elkhart Hill, led by Rhetta Jack, ornithologist from the Illinois Natural History Survey. The walks will be offered at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. For information and a reservation form, see www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

[Text from file received from Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County]