Members of the HIWP Conservation Committee will have a table at the Homewood Indoor Farmer's Market on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Have a conversation with our team members about recent projects at the Preserve; removal of invasive species, controlled burns, and restorative planting efforts. Pick up information about adapting those efforts in your own backyard. The Market is held at the Homewood Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

How many of you have actually seen the unheralded muskrat at the Preserve without confusing it with a beaver or some other mammal? From our observations over the years, we know that their populations fluctuate from year to year.

Did you know muskrats may be natural conservationists by creating bird habitat through building their homes? Muskrats are native ecosystem engineers, changing the structure of wetlands by building their homes, or lodges and creating openings within dense vegetation. To understand how muskrats transform wetlands and impact use by other animals, we placed cameras in wetlands pointed at muskrat lodges. We have invited two experts on muskrats to inform us about the muskrat and to share the results of their work, and the potential to harness the positive effects of muskrats to improve bird conservation.

Dr. Leo Chan Gaskins is a community ecologist, David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellow at University of Chicago, and research partner with Audubon Great Lakes. He is a former NSF Graduate Research Fellow, and earned his PhD from Duke University. Kayla Lindsay Fisher is the Senior Stewardship Associate for Audubon Great Lakes. She works closely with habitat restoration interns, volunteer stewards, landowners, funders, and partner organizations to implement stewardship strategies as a key component to sustainable conservation across Audubon’s key geographies, with a particular focus on the wetland complexes of the Calumet Region of Illinois and Indiana. We are quite fortunate to have two experts of this stature come to our historical cabin for this general meeting. Come join us for an informative program!

Yep, we’re at it again! Trail Mix is excited to bring some of our favorite local artists together for another evening of great music and good times — all in support of the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve and Trail Mix !

Steve Ploum, the manager of Trail Mix was able to arrange (with a great deal of effort) for some of our favorite bands to entertain us on the same night. Some are returning and some are brand new to the Trail Mix stage at Izaak Walton. In all cases, we’re thrilled that these amazing musicians will generously donate their time and talents and on a date that worked for all four acts. That date is Saturday, March 28th, in Senior Hall at the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve. It’s a great way to kick off the season, and it’s going to be a blast, just like in years past — so mark your calendars and c’mon out with all your friends for a super fun time.

Doors open at 6:15pm, and the music starts at 7:00pm, featuring:

● Annabelle Rudan
● Patti, Santyna & Doug
● Butterfield Creek
● The Southside Ukeladies

All donations will go directly to the Preserve (and shared with Trail Mix) and will be collected at the door via cash or credit card ($10 or more suggested). Concessions will be available (pizza, gourmet wraps and soft drinks served by IW volunteers) along with adult beverages provided by Flossmoor Station.

For more information, you can see details about the bands and all things Trail Mix by visiting www.trailmixmusic.org