










An Audubon member hosts this monthly series at the Freeport Public Library.
During the program, there is a special story time followed by an activity related to a theme.
Juliet and Anna from the library will lead a children’s cleanup. We will start at the library and walk around the downtown area to safely pick up trash. The goal is to teach children about not littering and to set examples for others.
A short nature documentary that examines the lives of orphaned orangutans and elephants affected by poaching and habitat encroachment and follows the efforts of individuals who work to rescue, rehabilitate and return the animals to the wild. 40 minutes (2011).
An animated film that occurs far in the future after an apocalyptic conflict has devastated much of the world’s ecosystem. 1 hour and 58 minutes (1984).
A documentary presented by National Geographic featuring Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Topic: Climate Change. 1 hour and 36 minutes (2016).
For more information, contact BTCGrimeFighters@yahoo.com, 815-990-2376, or visit facebook.com/BeTheChangeFreeport.
Event is FREE and open to the public rain or shine. See the huge variety of activities listed in our April/May newsletter (page 5). Many participating organizations will be helping to make this an exciting day for children and families.
This program will be a good time to hear more about falcons, which is the bird species highlighted on our Beginning Birder this month!
American Kestrel
Flaco sparverius
This little bird is America’s littlest falcon. Even though it has a small body, it is a fierce hunter. It is also one of the most colorful of all raptors. The male has slate-blue head and wings, which show up nicely against his rusty-red back and tail. The female has the same reddish color on her wings, back and tail. You might have spotted one of these little falcons on telephone wires or poles, or even hovering facing into the wind.
* Information adapted from Cornell Lab of Ornithology site All About Birds.
As you go on a spring walk in your yard, around your neighborhood, at a park, or anywhere, list the colors you see, the smells, the sounds (an adult can jot these down on a phone or small notebook).
Back home, make a chart that lists these.
For older children: identify as well as you can what it is you see, smell and hear, and chart that at home.
Look at the trees and point out buds: ask if they will become blossoms or leaves.
Have each person, big and little, sit next to a flower: you can take along sit-upons in a backpack.
Observe very closely: How many petals? What color(s)? Shape of leaves? Are they even on the stem or staggered?
After looking carefully, close your eyes and picture the plant. Open your eyes did you remember everything?
Now, looking away from the flower, draw it colored pencils, paper, and cardboard backing can also be taken along by an adult in a backpack.
Look at what you have drawn did you forget anything? Did you remember just how it was?
It doesn’t matter how “primitive” the drawing is it’s just a matter of sketching what each person can remember.
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.
Saturday, Apr. 17, 2021
Annual Crane Count...
Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021
Bird Walk: N. Jane Addams Trail and Orangeville Wetlands...
Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2021
Bird Walk: Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve...
Tuesday, May. 4, 2021
Zoom Program: Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight...