Conservation Foundation Hosts a Prairie Pickin'

Time to start planning the perfect picnic to pair with an afternoon of music, Ravinia-style.

The Conservation Foundation will host a concert at McDonald Farm with three bands performing in the scenic setting.

Last September was the first time the foundation held the concert, said Jill Johnson, the Conservation Foundation’s development and program associate.

“It was great; one of the most pleasant afternoons I can think of,” Johnson said. “We just wanted to have larger crowd.”

The event, Prairie Pickin': A Musical Celebration of Local Conservation, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 and will include a special tent with activities for children, she said. Last year some people weren’t sure if the event would be kid-friendly, so the nonprofit added the children’s tent.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and plan a picnic. Those older than 21 are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages and drink responsibly, she said. The foundation will have popcorn, water and soda for sale, she said. Small grills also are allowed toward the back of the venue.

The cost to attend the concert is $10 (children 12 and younger get in free), and all the funds will go to the nonprofit’s programs, Johnson said.

The Conservation Foundation has four main pillars: Land protection, watershed protection, environmental education and sustainable development, she said. A fifth principle is its conservation at home program, which helps educate homeowners about what they can do to beautify their homes while also acting sustainably.

The concert is a fun event, that showcases the foundation and what it does, she said.

“We want people to get familiar with who we are as an organization,” Johnson said. We are lucky to have a 60-acre farm in Naperville. … Our best marketing tool is to get people here.”

The bands that will perform include Matthew Hayes, Redhorse and The Stoneflys, she said.

“It is very laid-back and it’s good music,” she said.

The Conservation Foundation asks that those who plan to attend call and register before hand, but walk-ins on the day of the event are welcome. The cost to attend is $10 (free for those 12 and younger). The organization will accept cash and credit cards including, American Express, Visa and MasterCard. To RSVP for the event, please call 1-630-428-4500, ext. 17.