JOIN THE NATURE PLATOON
Upcoming Dates:
Get outdoors and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans. We meet every Wednesday for a nature based outing. Contact Jessica Klinge jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org for more information.
- August 9, 2023 at Chicago Botanic Gardens
- August 23, 2023 at Waukegan Municipal Beach
Explore Chicagoland's nature hotspots through the joy of photography! Brushwood Center has joined forces with natural area partners across the region to offer a free series of birding and photography programs for veterans, current service members, and their families.
Participants will receive a complimentary gift bag with supplies and information about the Challenge sites from our partners at Lake County Forest Preserves, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Chicago Park District, Indiana Dunes National Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Lake County Audubon Society, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Professional cameras are also available for loan, and participant photography will be featured in a 2023 Veterans Day Exhibition at Brushwood.
THE CHALLENGE:
Participants will receive a complimentary gift bag with supplies and information about the Challenge sites from our partners at Lake County Forest Preserves, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Chicago Park District, Indiana Dunes National Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Lake County Audubon Society, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Professional cameras are also available for loan, and participant photography will be featured in a 2023 Veterans Day Exhibition at Brushwood.
THE CHALLENGE:
- Attend or watch the virtual photography & birding workshops
- Visit nature hotspots across Chicagoland! Enjoy self-guided walks and/or small group tours to capture birds and nature through your camera lens. After you register, we will provide you with self-guided tour information and let you know when group tours are scheduled. Group tours are dependent upon partner COVID-19 policies.
- Submit your photos for inclusion in the Veteran’s Day Nature Platoon Photography Exhibition. Photos must be submitted by September 20.
- Enjoy the Veterans Day Nature Platoon Exhibition in November 2023!
Virtual Workshop Schedule
Our virtual photography and birding classes have passed. If you would like a recording of the following classes, contact Jessica Klinge, jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org
Intro to Photography
Intermediate Photography
Common Midwest birds
Birding with smartphones
Intro to Photography
Intermediate Photography
Common Midwest birds
Birding with smartphones
In-person group tours with Natural Area Partners
Follow us on Facebook to learn about more upcoming in-person group tours as the summer continues. If you don't want to join an in-person group tour, you can explore on your own. Contact Jessica Klinge, jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org to get materials to go on your self-guided tour.
All group tours and self-guided walks will take place from May to September.
All group tours and self-guided walks will take place from May to September.
- Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie www.fs.usda.gov/midewin
- Forest Preserves of Cook County www.fpdcc.com
- Lake County Forest Preserves www.lcfpd.org
- Indiana Dunes National Park www.nps.gov/indu/index.html
- Lake County Audubon Society www.lakecountyaudubon.org
- Illinois Beach State Park stateparks.com/illinois_beach_state_park_in_illinois.html
- Chicago Park District www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/
Special Thanks to our Supporters
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Veterans Cash Grant
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Oberweiler Foundation |
