Bridgehouse Museum Happy Hour Speaker Series

Tags: Attend, McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum, and River education

Happy Hour Speaker Series: Saving Chicago's Nighthawks

Thursday, June 26 
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. 
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 99 Chicago Riverwalk
Free and open to the public
 

Arena Birds: Saving Chicago's Nighthawks
Speaker: Edward Warden, President, Chicago Ornithological Society

Once a common sight devouring insects at every night game, the increasingly un-common nighthawk is now in steep decline. Despite being one of the fastest disappearing birds in North America, very little data exists to help explain why or how to stop it. In 2021, COS launched a volunteer monitoring program to fill the gap, one of the only such efforts in the country. This presentation will highlight what the deal is with these birds, what's been learned so far, and how to ensure Chicago remains a home for these mysterious creatures.


Join us at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to learn from local experts  who bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, public policy, and community engagement throughout the summer. Enjoy local beverages out on our riverfront plaza while you learn about the river's revival. 

This event is free and open to the public, and donations to Friends of the Chicago River are encouraged to support the Bridgehouse Museum's programming.

Located in the southwest bridgehouse of the historic DuSable Bridge on Michigan Avenue, the Bridgehouse Museum tells the story of how the Chicago-Calumet River system changed as people's use of it changed. The five-story museum showcases a river teeming with wildlife due in large part to hard fought water-quality victories and significant restoration efforts.

Sponsors help Friends offer free programs like this and support the Bridgehouse Museum in connecting people with the history and renaissance of the Chicago-Calumet River system inside this historic landmark Bridgehouse. Email Josh Coles if you are interested in sponsoring. 

Thank you to our sponsors Goose Island Beer Co. and the Fletcher Family for making this special series possible. 
 

Full series details:

  • July 10:  Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserves of Cook County –Otters in the Chicago River Watershed

  • July 24: Marla Garrison – Ecology & Conservation of Illinois Dragonflies

  • August 7: Andrea Densham, Alliance for the Great Lakes; Dr. Tim Hoellein, Loyola University, and more; A panel discussion on water quality and plastic pollution. 

  • August 21: Henry Adams, Wildlife Management Coordinator, Urban Wildlife Institute; CJ Greco, Learning Exploration Coordinator, Lincoln Park Zoo – Out in Nature, Creating Safe Spaces in Nature

  • September 4: TBD

  • September 18: TBD