The Illinois Audubon Society is taking measures to protect our members, our staff and our communities from COVID-19.
We have enacted the following precautionary steps to help limit potential spread of the virus.
The Society has cancelled the 2020 Spring Gathering and all Illinois Audubon Society field trips scheduled between now and May 15.
These include:
- Prairie Chicken Viewing from the Blinds, March 28 & 29
- Prairie Chicken Viewing from the Blinds, April 4 & 5
- Walking in the Footsteps of Ridgway, March 25
- Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, March 25
- Discover War Bluff Valley Sanctuary, April 4 & 5
- Magee Marsh with Denis Kania, May 11-13
- Spring Migration: Chicago Lakefront Focus, May 13
All registrants will receive a full refund of registration costs.
As you are all aware, this is a rapidly changing issue and decisions regarding the fate of field trips scheduled after May 15, 2020, will be made at a future date. Anyone affected by those decisions will be individually notified as soon as a decision is made and, in the event of a cancellation, full refunds will be issued.
In addition, Illinois Audubon Society’s headquarters located in Springfield will remain closed. All staff are working from home and may enter the building, individually, as needed to pick up necessary materials. We are monitoring phone messages and can be reached by email.
The mission of the Illinois Audubon Society is to promote the perpetuation and appreciation of the native flora and fauna of Illinois and the habitats that support them. Central to that mission are our efforts to encourage people to observe, steward and learn about the birds, plants and animals that surround us. Experiencing nature is fun, energizing and has even been shown to provide health benefits. Because of this, all Illinois Audubon Society sanctuaries will remain open for outdoor recreation.
We urge everyone to follow the request of all federal, state and local agencies and do your part in helping to contain the spread of this virus, but also find the time to enjoy spring in an appropriate manner