News and Events

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4-H Wee Naturalists- Groundhogs

Saturday, February 4, 2023
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Highland Community College, 2998 W Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL
Contact: 815-235-4125

NIAS would like to help share information about the University of Illinois Extension new environmental education program for children ages 4-7 called “Wee Naturalists”, hosted by 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty. It is an interactive program that includes a story, craft/activity, and an outdoor component (so it is encouraged to dress appropriately!). It is held on the 1st Saturday of every month through May 2023 at the University of Illinois Extension Office, Highland Community College campus (building R), 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. (Use Parking Lot B)

Programs include: February 4- Groundhogs, March 4- Signs of Spring, April 1- April Showers, May 6- Insects
The cost is $5.00 per session and is from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
For more information click here or to register, call 815-235-4125 or click here.

Program: The Wildlife and Landscapes of Big Bend National Park

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
7 p.m.
St. John United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport, IL
Presenters: Teresa Smith and Mary Blackmore

In April of 2022, 11 NIAS field trip participants traveled to Big Bend National Park in west Texas to enjoy the wonderful birds that live in the various park ecosystems. We saw a lot more than birds! From the banks of the Rio Grande River to the Chihuahuan Desert to the mid-altitude areas of the Chisos Mountains, the group observed many insect, mammal and bird species, among them Greater Roadrunner, Vermilion Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Black Bear and even an active Dung Beetle.

Utilizing photos of the trip, Teresa Smith and Mary Blackmore will share some highlights of their journey.

Watch our recorded programs:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_KNVpgieuK07V4dT-dALBg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestIllinoisAudubonSociety/

Event: Winter Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, February 18, 2023
11 a.m. – noon
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S Cranes Grove Rd, Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Adam Moderow, 815-541-5842

Before winter leaves us, it’s important to take note of some of the unique sights and sounds nature provides at this time of year. We will have a winter focused scavenger hunt through Oakdale to take note of some of these seasonal aspects of our environment. The scavenger hunt will be self-paced and each group can make their own adventure of it. Make sure to dress warmly and have your eyes and ears ready. Meet by the Mogle building, just off of the parking lot.

Contact Adam Moderow at adamoderow@gmail.com or at 815-541-5842 to register in case it becomes necessary to limit the number of participants.

Field Trip: Nicholas Conservatory, Orchids and More...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL
Coordinator: Chris Kruger 815-238-9259

Take a break from winter! Join us for a tour of Illinois’ third largest conservatory. Located on the Rock River in Rockford, the facility offers tropical plants, water features, sculptures, and seating areas. The annual orchid exhibit includes hundreds of tropical orchids creatively arranged throughout the conservatory, click here for more information.

Admission on Tropical Tuesdays is $5. Please bring cash so we can pay as a group.
Carpool from Harbor Freight at 9:15 am or meet us at the conservatory at 10 am. Expected return time to Freeport is 12:15 pm.

Call Chris Kruger, 815-238-9259 to sign up for this trip by Feb 12th. We need 10-12 people for a guided tour. Feel free to call after the deadline to see if we can accommodate you.

NIAS Newsletter Deadline

Tuesday, February 28, 2023