Birds and Brews

Are you a bird enthusiast with a thirst for fermented delights? This adventure is your perfect match! Gather with fellow feather fans for a DIY lunch at Good News Brewing in Alton, Illinois—think scrumptious pizza and maybe a frothy brew. Once fueled, flap your way over the river to the Audubon Center at Riverlands. This birdie paradise was born when the Army Corps turned soggy land from the 1993 flood into a sanctuary for resident and migratory avians. Grab those binoculars, hit the trails, and spot the winged wonders during migration season! Field Experience Hosts: Lauren Scull and Dave Schiber 1st Stop: Head up to Good News Brewing at The Post Commons in Downtown Alton. You will eat lunch with other field trip participants. You can find the menu here. Parking is along the street, some angled parking and some parallel parking spots. 2nd Stop: Leave Good News Brewing, cross the Clark Bridge and get your birding on at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. You will meet August Wise, (Senior Associate, Conservation Science) who will introduce you to the site and what the Audubon Center does in this area. He will also guide you on a hike to see what birds are around the center.  You can find a map showing all conference locations here.  What to Bring: Dress for the weather. Be prepared for mud. Bring your binoculars.