Party on the Prairie is for the Birds

This year’s theme plays on the fact that Nygren Wetland Preserve is a birding hotspot. Join us for this unique fundraiser for Nygren Wetland Preserve.

Party on the Prairie provides an elegant outdoor dinner party under a big tent overlooking the prairie. The stunning landscape includes blooming midsummer wildflowers with butterflies and dragonflies fluttering about and grassland birds flying around and perching atop silphiums and coneflowers. American White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes are often seen soaring overhead toward the wetland.

The event begins with horse drawn wagon rides through the prairie. During the social hour guests may enjoy a signature drink, cash bar and appetizers while listening to lively music. A nature themed silent auction will be open from the time guests arrive through the end of the full service sit-down dinner catered by GreenFire Restaurant.

Location: Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL 61072

Timeline

• 4:30 – 6:30 Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. Event Kickoff Concert by Three Good Men
• 4:30 – 6:30 Social Hour - cash bar, silent auction begins
• 6:30 Welcome, announcements, sit down for dinner
• 6:45 Dinner served, silent auction continues
• 8:00 Silent Auction ends and pay for your winning bids

Thank you to our Sponsors

Wild Bergamot Sponsor ($2000)

CINDY CAMPBELL

Grey-headed Coneflower Sponsor ($1500)

Pale Purple Coneflower Sponsor ($1000)

Paul and Teri Baits

Purple Prairie Clover Sponsors ($750)

Black-eyed Susan Sponsors ($500)

This free admission, family themed and bi-lingual (English and Spanish) event is great for all ages where they enjoy exploring the 721-acre wildlife refuge, Nygren Wetland Preserve, owned by Natural Land Institute.

Registration is requested for this free event.

https://www.naturalland.org/familynatureadventures/

Learning stations feature experiences and activities on topics from prairies, to wetlands, birds to mammals, Native American History to art, and more. A passport is distributed to children and adults to get stamped at the stations. Children are encouraged to get at least six stamps so they can earn a Junior Naturalist badge and certificate, and adults get a reward when they get their passport stamped.

This event inspires a land conservation ethic in the next generation when children are asked to promise to protect the land, water, air, plants and animals in their community before they are given their badge.