Star Parties Apr 22, 29, 8-10pm, Popular free observatory (SE corner) learn and look. 206- 8342. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza.

NATURE

Bird Hikes Apr 23, 30, 8am, Four Saturdays, join bird expert Kevin Veara as he leads birders of all skill levels. Bring own binoculars. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Bird Walks in Elkhart Apr 30, 8:30am and 10:30am, Foot outing led by Rhetta Jack, former ornithologist, Illinois Natural History Survey. Elkhart, 217-947-2046.

Blossom Time Hikes May 01, 2pm, Hike the garden paths while the trees and flowers are in bloom. Free. 529-1111. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Celebrate Spring-Plant Sale Apr 30, 10am-12pm, Celebrate the return of spring. Seedlings available for purchase. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787-6927.

Discovery After Dark Tour Apr 22, 7-9pm, See the zoo in a new light at this after hours guided tour. $6 adult, $4 child. Pre-registration required. 753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Elkhart Bird Dinner/Lecture Apr 29, 5:30pm-8pm, ‘The Birds of Elkhart Hill’ by Rhetta Jack, former ornithologist from Illinois Natural History Survey. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart, 217-974-2046.

Illinois Native Plant Society Plant Sale Apr 30, 9am-2pm, Purchase native Illinois prairie and woodland plants at bargain prices. Free admission. 753- 6228. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

International Migratory Bird Day Apr 23, 9am-12pm, Join Master Bander Vern Kleen and volunteers at Margery Adams Bird Banding Station for demonstrations and spring migratory bird info. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Springfield Audubon Society Apr 28, 7-9pm, “Spring Warblers” with Vern Kleen presenting a helpful slide show on identifying these birds. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Vines & Vendors Apr 30, 8am-2pm, Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, arts and crafts by local artisans and more. Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Rd, Lincoln, 735-1554 .

Water Gardening Society Apr 28, 6:30pm, “Pond Fish and Plants,” presented by Craig Schultz and Blake Mills. 726-8216. Buckley’s Prairie Landscaping Garden Center, 3735 Chatham Road, 217-787-5033.

Wednesday Morning Pickup Party Apr 27, 9-10am, Weather permitting every Wednesday, help clear trash. Garbage bags and long handled pickers provided. Bring gloves. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave.

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Film Fest Apr 27-28, 7-8:30pm Wed, 3:30-4:30pm Thu, “Vanishing of the Bees.” “The Last Mountain.” Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Sangamon Valley Sierra Club Meeting Apr 26, 6:30-8pm, “Travels in New Zealand.” Chris Pearson’s eyewitness to Christchurch Earthquake. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

ABATE Chapter Meeting Apr 21, 7pm, ABATE Lincoln Land Monthly Chapter Meeting. All motorcycle enthusiasts welcome. Third Thursday of every month. Northender’s VFW, 2349 Stockyard Rd.

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Apr 22, 7:30am coffee, 8-9am program, “Citizen Involvement in Civic/Service Organizations” with international reps Paul Palazzolo, Kiawnis, and Robert Stuart, Rotary. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Civil Unions For Same Sex Couples Apr 26, 6-8pm, Find out your rights. Attorney Jill M. Metz, specializing in legal protection for same sex couples. Sponsored by Coalition of Rainbow Alliances, American Civil Liberties Union, First Church of the Brethren, Heartland Metropolitan Community Church, Phoenix Center. Free. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Illinois Women in Leadership Apr 21, 11:30am, Several scholarships will be awarded. $18, $23 walk-ins. Register by Apr. 15. iwil.biz. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 544-1793.

Luncheon Optimist Club of Springfield Apr 25, 11:45am, Diamond’s Buffet, 2441 S. MacArthur Blvd.

Religious Literacy for Skeptics Apr 25, 7pm, Presentation and discussion of book (Academic) “Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn’t.” Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

BULLETIN BOARD

African Celebration May 01, 11:30am-1pm, Traditional Liberian food and music. LLCC student Stephen Wannah presents brief program on current political situation in Northern Africa. 544-7426. St. Joseph Parish, 1345 N. Sixth St.

Community Shred Event Apr 21, 4:30-7pm, Capital Area Independent Business Alliance hosts. Shred up to 15 boxes of records free with case of food donation. Raindate April 28. Parking Lot, Former Kmart Store, S. MacArthur Boulevard at Outer Park.

CrimeStoppers Community Unity Apr 29, 5-8pm, Food, beverages, raffles, silent auction, live music with Whirled Peas to benefit Crime Stoppers. $20. Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr, 217-622- 9547.

Gem & Mineral Show Apr 22-24, 9am-6pm Fri-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Central Illinois Gem & Mineral Club invites public to show with exhibitors and demonstrations. Macon County Fairgrounds, Route 121 NW, Decatur, 233-1164.

Greater Springfield Job and Career Fair Apr 28, 3-6pm, Prospective employees from all over central Illinois. 525-1773. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Mother’s Day Tea May 01, 2-3:30pm, Tea with a focus on household tasks of decades past. $25. Register by April 25. Springfield Art

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