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The autumn equinox is September 22. Let’s celebrate the first day of fall by being outside. We will take a hike around Oakdale and use nets and jars to collect insects along the way. Open to kids of all ages. Parents must be present with the children during the event.
Kids should dress appropriately for the weather (long pants recommended) and should wear waterproof shoes or boots that can get wet in case we look for aquatic organisms. Signups are required. Contact leader Juliet Moderow at 201-233-0946 to register and/or if weather is questionable. Meet in the parking lot near the Mogle Center by 10:00 a.m. Hike will start promptly on time.
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
“With its long, earlike tufts, intimidating yellow-eyed stare, and deep hooting voice, the Great Horned Owl is the quintessential owl of storybooks” (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds). This is one of our most common owls in North America and seems to be at home in lots of different places.
* Information adapted 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/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.
Then go owling one night as the child and her Pa do. It’s worth breaking regular bedtime for one night – preferably on a night with no school the next day.
Have a fall-themed party, independent of football and Halloween. Just enjoy. Search the yard and neighborhood for signs of fall; notice which trees have leaves that have begun to turn. Choose some leaves that are still completely green, some that are partly green and partly colored, some that may be all colored; make a collage with these, showing the increments by which the colors begin to dominate the green.
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...