








Join us for a fun, informative, family-friendly afternoon as we explore the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve for the many butterflies that are found there. From 1-5 p.m., participants may join guided butterfly tours or look on their own for those winged beauties. Tours will begin at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. “Illinois Butterflies and Moths” pocket guides will be given out at no charge while supplies last.
We’ll have a shady rest area with chairs, as well as a restroom, cold beverages and snacks. If it looks like rain, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204 before 10 a.m. on July 30th.
Explorers at previous Butterfly Festivals have found 29 species of butterflies and skippers, among them Tiger Swallowtail, Meadow Fritillary, Buckeye, Comma, Peck’s Skipper, Silver Spotted Skipper and Milbert’s Tortoiseshell.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. We hope to see you there!
An Audubon member hosts a monthly series called Wildlife Wednesdays at the Freeport Public Library. During the program, there is a special story time followed by an activity related to the theme.
This is a special addition to the regular “Wildlife Wednesday” program, but for older kids. The summer library theme is “Read for the Win,” so an Audubon member will have a special program about winning and successful animal adaptations.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Look for a flash of green and red...it might be the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird! If you have feeders and flower gardens, you will most likely attract these jeweled wonders. They leave our area early in the fall when they head for Central America.
* Information taken from Cornell Lab of Ornithology site All About Birds.
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!
Hang a hummingbird feeder in a spot where you can easily see it. Since hummingbirds are territorial, you might want to hang two, one in front and one in back.
Food: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water to kill bacteria or mold. Add the ¼ cup sugar to 1 cup water. Cool. Excess mixture can be saved for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Do not add food coloring, honey (it ferments), or sweetener.
Clean at least once a week, more often if water gets cloudy. To clean, use 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water: rinse 3 times to make sure all vinegar is gone. If mold develops, clean with a 10% bleach solution and rinse several times.
Water will keep out ants; many feeders have water containers on top.
Flowers with bright, rich colors are most likely to attract hummingbirds; long or tapered shapes help to accommodate the long bills. Native species are preferred. Some flowers that are likely to attract hummingbirds are bee balm, cardinal flower, zinnia, salvia, bleeding heart, lupine, columbine.
You can make your own feeders with tall, narrow bottles and feeding tubes, which come 12 to a pack.
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...