








This year is the 50th Anniversary of Earth day. Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
The American Crow belongs to the family Corvidae, which includes Ravens, Blue Jays, and Magpies. All of these birds are incredibly smart.
The American Crow is easily recognized for its all black plumage, bills, legs, and eyes. Crows are like children – they are curious, playful, mischievous, and are very good at problem-solving.
They are known to participate in a behavior called mobbing – this means they make a lot of noise and racket when they see a bird such as an eagle or hawk, to make them leave the area.
They are widely omnivorous, eating just about anything plant and animal based, including garbage left behind by people. Try not to litter though – it is not good for any wildlife.
Crows tend to stay with their family year-round, including the offspring for the past two years.
With an adult’s help, look up some videos of smart crows. They are impressive!
* Thanks to allaboutbirds.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!
As the weather begins to warm up head out to your favorite trail to enjoy the spring weather and nature.
If the wind is strong, go outside and fly kites with your friends and family! If you do not own a kite already, then go to the store and purchase one before finding an open area outside to fly the kites in. Compete against your friends to see who can fly their kite the highest and longest!
An entertaining planting craft that you can do as a family is to make your own grass cups! All you need are cups, construction paper, scissors, tape, soil, and grass seed. First, start by cutting out silly faces from the construction paper, and tape them onto the cup. Put soil inside the cup, then plant the seeds inside. Water your grass daily, and watch it grow!
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...
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