'Photos & Forbs' coming May 4

(Bluebells are in bloom in the timber around Fairbury)

Blooming ephemerals are filling the understory of forests with eye-catching colors this time of year.

Virginia Bluebells, Bloodroot, and Red trillium thrive in spring weather before trees grow out their summer leaves. Now is the perfect time to admire their full beauty, and you can learn how to capture their grace on camera with Master Naturalists during the upcoming Photos & Forbs event at Fugate Woods.   

Join Master Naturalists on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Dominy Memorial Library in Fairbury to learn tips and tricks from local photographer Tracy DeWeese on how to make your nature photos the best they can be.

Learn how to improve your photography skills using your phone’s camera with techniques like composition, lighting, and editing. Then, Prairielands Steward Bill Handel will discuss spring wildflowers at Fugate Woods, including plant health, habitat, and what insects they attract. After listening to the speakers, the group will head to Fugate Woods and Jay’s Timber to identify spring flowers and capture stunning photos to share.     

Spring ephemerals don’t stick around long, so be sure to join us on May 4 to learn how to capture spring’s beauty on your phone. This event is hosted by the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Prairie Lands Foundation. To register for the event visit go.illinois.edu/LMWevents or call (309) 663-8270.