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On Saturday, October 10, 6 - 8:00 p.m., we will host this evening event at the Doug Firebaugh Observatory, Park Hills Gold Course, 2892 W. Stephenson St. This event is open to all ages. In case of inclement weather, the event will still be held, but with a modified program in the observatory. Come gaze at the stars with us!
On Saturday, October 17, 9 - 10:30 a.m., this popular hike around Oakdale focuses on looking for birds and other fall creatures. We will have binoculars for the kids to use and nets/jars to collect any critters we can find. Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract, the part of Oakdale on the west side of Crane’s Grove Road. Group leaders are Juliet (201-233-0946) and Carol Redmore.
Stay tuned for the Dec./Jan. edition of the NWIL Audubon newsletter for holiday gift ideas!
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianus
This snowy white tundra swan breeds in the Arctic and migrates many miles to winter on North America’s Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, bays, and lakes. These animals fly some 3,725 miles round-trip between their distant habitats, and make the journey twice each year.
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/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Events located in Stephenson County, IL
Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families
The Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids Sponsored by the Audubon Society and other partners
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
National Audubon website Use “Get Outside” and “Family Time” prompts
National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine
Paddle the Pecatonica River Water Trail Enjoy Illinois’ “Friendliest Paddle” on the Pecatonica River
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.
Begin with a scavenger hunt and/or photography hunt for the signs of autumn. You can have a checklist — or actually collect the objects as long as they are common objects like colored leaves and nuts (but no flowers/plants from nature preserves or state parks).
With photography you might emphasize the array of colors, print the pictures and make a collage of the color variations.
You can also photograph signs that show evidence of animal homes, including scat. Perhaps you can capture a picture of a squirrel with nuts, with great luck perhaps migratory birds passing through, along with pictures of year-round bird residents.
Do an autumn texture collage. On a walk feel the textures and notice the colors of the signs of autumn you can collect — the leaves, the acorns or other nuts, berries, tree bark, a sprig from an evergreen for contrast. Arrange on construction paper in a collage; glue or tape — and you can cover with clear Contact color. The nuts and bark may make it all a big knobbly and the berries may squirt a bit, but that makes it all the more exciting!
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, Jan. 19, 2021
Virtual Discussion of the film The Story of Plastic...
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021
NIAS Newsletter Deadline...
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021
Meeting: NIAS Conservation Committee...
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021
Meeting: NIAS Board Meeting...