Celebration to mark opening of new bird sanctuary at Jelke Creek

Dundee Township residents will gather to celebrate the grand opening of a land restoration and water quality improvement project at the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary July 16-18, .

Stop by and walk through the sanctuary and learn about its many benefits to the community. The completed restoration will help restore rapidly disappearing bird and wildlife habitat while improve water quality to keep our streams and rivers clean.

This 240-acre preserve offers residents a new venue to relax and connect with nature, with graveled paths for hiking, jogging, biking and horseback riding; prairies and wetland for bird-watchers; as well as stocked ponds for fishing. Thanks to the Dundee Township Rotary Club, a covered pavilion near the parking entrance will soon be erected creating possibilities for picnicking.

Dundee Township has planned a full weekend of on-site festivities to mark the grand opening. There is still time for local businesses, service organizations and individuals to gain community recognition by sponsoring this event. Sponsors should contact Dundee Township for more information (847) 428-8092.

The grand opening ceremony will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 16. From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 17, there will be bird walks accompanied by a "James Audubon" impersonator, a "Wild Ones" nature hike, hayrides, food vendor and beginning birding workshop for adults, as well as children's activities including Nature Hike Bingo.

Lunch can be purchased from the Dundee Township and Carpentersville Lions Clubs.

On Sunday, July 18, join in a fishing derby from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preregister at the website to enter prize lottery. There also will be an open house at Frontenac Farms, 35W199 Boncosky Road, West Dundee.

For a full list of events, visit dundeetownship.org.