








This event is for you! Even if you can’t name a lot of birds yet, give it a try! The basics of birdwatching, such as how to become a better observer and selection of equipment, will be covered. Meet at the shelter in the Newell area of the Oakdale Nature Preserve.
Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. Audubon has a few binoculars for those who don’t have them.
If you have any questions about the event, call Richard Benning at 815-865-5279.
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 - 5:00 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 distributed at no charge while supplies last. We’ll have ample shady spots for a rest area with chairs as well as a restroom, cold beverages, snacks and information about pollinators.
Explorers at previous Butterfly Festivals have found 31 species of butterflies and skippers, among them Buckeye, Red-spotted Purple, Painted Lady, giant Swallowtail, Great Spangled Fritillary, Silver-spotted Skipper and Monarch.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Rds. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
If weather is questionable, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204 before 10 a.m. on July 28th.
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerine
Chipping sparrow is a species of American Sparrows. It is known in most parts of the world but is found commonly in North America. This is a medium-sized sparrow with a back that is dark brown in color with black color streaking and the underparts are normally light or pastel gray in color. They have a reddish brown “cap” on their head, while the face looks striped with white and black color. The neck is white. Their beak is black in winter but more pink in summer, eyes are a dusky brown, and legs and feet are pink-orange in color.
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!
Many ideas for summer fun for kids and their families in Summer Activities: Nature Activities for Children, by Irmagard Kutsch, Brigitte Walden (illus.).
On a rainy day, go outside during or after a rain to listen, smell, touch and see its effects. Ideas from Listen to the Rain, by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.
If it is raining, would you describe it as soft and slow, roaring and pouring, hurly-burly, topsy-turvy, ligihtning-flashing, thunder clapping, sounding pounding roaring or dripping.
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.