








Ms. Juliet hosts a monthly series called Wildlife Wednesdays at the Freeport Public Library. Each month has a different theme related to nature and wildlife. She will read various books related to the theme and then show the children specimens that they can touch. There are also activities that can be done at home to continue the learning!
It’s time again for the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count. You might want to be part of this count with a family member by being a feeder counter. You need to be sure your bird feeder is within the official count circle, a 15-mile diameter circle with Read Park in Freeport as the center. On the count day, Saturday, December 16th, simply watch your feeder for four hours and record the largest number of each species present at any one moment. For more information, check out our newsletter on this website or when it arrives in your mailbox. You can become a citizen scientist!
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
The Blue Jay is a common large songbird that has a perky crest on top of the head. It is seen year-round in the Midwest and is often seen at feeders, although it prefers tray feeders rather than hanging feeders. If you join the Christmas bird feeder count, you might even see one or more of these beautiful blue birds. It has blue, white and black plumage and very noisy calls!
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!
Take a winter walk around the yard, around the neighborhood, at a park or nature preserve.
Make a list of wintering birds, berries, tracks, tunnels and be sure to look under logs to see what is sheltering there. (Replace log.)
For very young children: hide stuffed animals in the yard and go on a safari to hunt for them; along the way, note real animals, birds, and signs of winter.
Afterwards, go in and have hot chocolate and talk about what you saw. Talk about birds like the chickadee and cardinal who stick around all winter; perhaps you can cut out pictures of some of these and paste onto construction paper to make a little book.
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...