








Take a trip out to Oakdale Nature Preserve on October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a chance to learn more about the history and importance of oak trees.
Dress accordingly for hiking and observing trees. Meet at the main parking lot at Oakdale near the Mogle Center.
Call Richard Benning at 815-865-5279 to sign up.
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
When you think of fall, especially November, you might be thinking Thanksgiving and turkeys. Therefore, this is a good chance for you to learn about the Wild Turkey! The Wild Turkey does make “gobble gobble,” but if you ever get the chance to hear it, it is quite loud and can travel far distances. The male will make these calls during breeding seasons to attract females, while performing a courtship dance and puffing up its beautiful feathers.
The Wild Turkey is a very large and spectacular bird, with red and blue featherless heads with wattles. They are active and tend to be in large flocks. At night, the flock will roost together in trees. The best times to see these birds are early in the morning in open clearings. Some people are lucky enough to see a flock at their bird feeders, especially if corn is present.
The Wild Turkey is an example of a domesticated bird, used for food. The domesticated variety are raised in high numbers around American Thanksgiving holiday. Each year, 46 million turkeys are eaten during Thanksgiving, 22 million during Christmas, and 19 million on Easter.
* Sources include allaboutbirds.org and the University of Illinois Extension.
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!
A fun activity you can do with your family and friends is decorating pumpkins. Each person can pick out their favorite color paints, and use them to paint their own pumpkin!
An easy craft that you can do in the fall is to make a pinecone birdfeeder! All you need is a pinecone, peanut butter, bird seed, and string. First, spread the peanut butter on the pinecone, then roll it in birdseed so the birdseed sticks to the peanut butter. Next, tie the string around the top of the pinecone and hang it from a tree.
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.
Friday, Sep. 29, 2023
September 29 Birdseed Sale Order Deadline!...
Friday, Sep. 29, 2023
Full Moon Campfire at Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve...
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Program: Update from Illinois Evironmental Council, 2023 Annual Report...
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023
Field Trip: Maquoketa Caves State Park...