








Listen to the spring calls of frogs and toads! We will walk near wetland areas that are great amphibian habitats.
Meet in the parking lot, in the NE corner of Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, off of West Grove Rd. at 6:30 p.m. There will be a carpool from the Harbor Freight east parking lot in Freeport at 6 p.m. The preserve is located 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the SE corner of Freeport and West Grove Rds.
If weather is questionable, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204.
Join us for an informative, fun, family-friendly morning as we explore the Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve for the many migrating and resident birds found there. Tours will begin at 8, 9, and 10:00 a.m. The 10:00 tour will be specifically oriented to kids and families, including information on how to use binoculars!
If you do not have binoculars, we have some for you to borrow!
There will be free “Illinois Birds” pocket guides to the first visitors while supplies last.
The preserve is located about 2 miles south of Leaf River (S. Main St. in Leaf River becomes Leaf River Rd.), with parking just off of Leaf River Rd.
If weather is questionable, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204.
Great Blue Heron
Ardea Herodias
The Great Blue Heron is a magnificent bird. While you won’t see it visiting your bird feeders, you may see it at any park you visit that has water nearby. These birds tend to be near water, often scanning for fish, frogs, snakes, or crayfish to eat. Their long legs allow them to wade in the water and see their prey below. They have excellent speed and snatch their prey with lightning speed.
If you join the amphibian hikes at Elkhorn Creek you might hear or see these birds! But listen carefully a Great Blue Heron call sounds a lot like a frog!
* Sources include www.allaboutbirds.org and www.naturemappingfoundation.org.
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 family trip out to Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. to go on a tour and learn how to use binoculars!
As spring begins, more species of insects and birds can be seen outside. On a sunny day, consider going outside with your family and friends to see how many different types of insects you can find!
One fun thing to do this spring for the birds is to make a bird feeder! Take an empty juice carton, and cut a few holes about halfway down the side. Then, paint it your favorite color, poke two holes in the top to attach string to, and glue a stick for the birds to perch on near the bottom. Fill the carton with bird food, hang on a nearby tree, and watch for the birds to come!
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...