








This day is designed to be an opportunity for you to enjoy a morning outdoors with your grandchildren. The program will encourage grandparents and grandchildren to engage in nature related activities together while experiencing the outdoors at Oakdale Nature Preserve. Northwest Illinois Audubon Society facilitators will provide the activities, along with instruction of things to do with your grandchildren. Activities will be most applicable for grandchildren between the ages of 7 and 12. We will meet in the Mogle Center, although be prepared for most activities to be done outdoors. Space is limited for this program so advance registration is required. Call Richard Benning (815-865-5279) to register or for more information.
American Robin
(Genus, species: Turdus migratorius)
The American Robin is known for its bright orange belly and beautiful song. The male will sing a most beautiful tune... “Cheer-up, cheerily, cheer-up, cheer-up, cheerily.” He is often the last bird heard as the sun sets.
Here are a few interesting facts for you:
Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire
Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks
Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library
Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County
Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families
Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail
Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources
NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children
National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home
National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine
Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.
Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.
World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!
For those rainy days, a make-believe fish pond can be a lot of fun.
Materials needed: Construction paper of different colors; a twig or pole; paper clips; magnet; crayons, string or yarn.
Directions:
This is a great game to teach basic colors and numbers. Can you catch all the yellow fish? What numbers did you catch?
Before going outside with children, take a walk yourself and find an area where a few different tree species grow. Collect several object from the ground underneath the trees like nuts, leaves, bark, blossoms; Place the objects in a "mystery box" so they can be felt but not seen. An old shoebox works great with a hole cut in the lid large enough to get a child’s hand through.
Take the children to your collection spot and have them feel the items in the mystery box; challenge them to name the item and search the collection area to find the matching objects.
Ask:
*This activity taken from the American Forest Foundation.
Check out our full calendar of activities, events, and educational opportunities. You're sure to find something to interest you. Please join us!
Events include:
For more details, see the current newsletter.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023
Program: Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter...
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Christmas Bird Count...
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Beginning Birder Club- Bird Movement - REGISTRATION CLOSED - Contact for waitlist...
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024
Program: Birds and Beauty in Arizona...