Following Geneva’s official recognition as a Bird City Illinois community, the city’s Natural Resources Committee will be hosting annual bird watches, starting this spring.
The public is invited to join the committee for “The Big Sit” from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Fabyan East Forest Preserve Pavilion 3, 1500 Crissey Ave. in Geneva.
The event, held in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, is open to seasoned birders and beginners to help identify various species making their home in the woods, according to a city of Geneva press release.
Participants should bring a chair, binoculars, a hat and sunscreen, the release said. The event will also feature nature-focused art on display from artist Maria Ananieva and photographer Erick Waldchen.
The Audubon Council of Illinois presented Geneva with its Bird City Illinois certification during the April 20 City Council meeting. The designation is awarded to communities that demonstrate a significant, ongoing commitment to bird conservation and education, the release said.
The Natural Resources Committee, comprised of resident volunteers, has spent two years working toward certification by meeting best birding practices and hosting educational events, city officials said. Additionally, the committee schedules regular work days at the Fabyan and Gunnar Anderson forest preserves to remove invasive species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle.
Blood drives set in Plano
Blood drives will held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 1 and Aug. 3 at the Plano Public Library, 15 W. North St. in Plano.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood at one of the events, sign up at the library or online at www.versiti.org, organizers said. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins at the two blood drive events are welcome.
Each donor will be entered in a raffle for a $100 Visa gift card, according to a press release about the blood drives.
Event to focus on eating disorders
Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital will hold its 19th annual Eating Disorder Recovery Celebration and Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the hospital’s healing garden, 852 S. West St. in Naperville.
This year’s theme is “Every Color of Recovery: Honoring All Journeys,” organizers said in a news release.
The annual event brings together people in recovery, families, former patients, clinicians and community members to share stories and honor those affected by eating disorders. More than 300 people have attended the free vigil in the past, the news release said.
Endeavor Health’s eating disorders program provides care for adolescents and adults ages 11 and older. The team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and dietitians, with treatment options such as inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, medication management and counseling, the news release said.
Registration is required for the upcoming event at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845AEA628A7FAC07-62310742-19th#.
