It’s a burning question that’s been nagging naturalists for ages: “Why Can’t We Be Friends” with the skunks, raccoons, possums, bats, groundhogs and other critters living in our midst? Citizens for Conservation in Barrington is challenging us to answer that question after attending an upcoming session on skunks and their critter buddies led by a local wildlife expert at the Barrington Area Library.
The educational program on co-existing with these creatures will last from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 26th at the Barrington Area Library.
The Chief Biologist for the Cook County Forest Preserve district, Chris Anchor, will lead a presentation and discussion about co-habitating with local wildlife like skunks, raccoons, possums, bats and groundhogs.
So the presentation is not just for animal lovers. You can ask Chris questions and you’ll actually learn tips about best things to do when you have a close-encounter with these curious critters.
They will be offering coffee, handouts and conversation, starting at 9:30, a half hour before the start of the program. The fee to attend is $10 for non-members. It’s free if you are already a member of Citizens for Conservation.
For a little reading in advance, CLICK HERE to find the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s web page about wild life research and field observations.
The Barrington Area Library is located at 505 N. Northwest Highway.
The mission of Citizens for Conservation in Barrington is, “‘Saving Living Space for Living Things’ through protection, restoration and stewardship of land, conservation of natural resources, and education.” The group’s charge is three-fold.
First, they serve to PROTECT natural areas and they’ve led the initiative to protect over 2500 acres of public land in the Barrington area.
Second, they offer educational programs all year long to INFORM adults and children about the value of natural resources and the importance of good environmental ethics and practices.
Third, they work hard to RESTORE native plant communities – prairie, oak savanna and wetland – to actively restore property, putting back in place the full biodiversity that once covered northeast Illinois.
To learn more about the group and their efforts, visit CitizensForConservation.org. And, of course, come out on January 26th for a little raccoon, possum, bat, groundhog and skunk schoolin’ to answer the question, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
