








School may be starting soon, but your adventures can continue! It is especially important if you (or your child) may be having virtual lessons and more screen time for school, so it is even more necessary to keep exploring outdoors every chance you can!
"It is not half so important as to feel when introducing a young child to the natural world."
Rachel Carson
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker that you could see in this area. It is about the size of a crow and has a long neck. Like other woodpeckers, the Pileated Woodpecker has a strong, chisel-like bill which can be used to make loud drumming sounds against the trees as it drills for insects that live in trees, such as carpenter ants, woodboring beetles, and termites.
They are black and white, with a large, red crest. The underside of their wings is white. The males will have a red moustache near its beak while the female will have a black moustache. Woodpeckers, along with many other animals, use dead trees for nesting. It is impressive to see how the woodpeckers can carve out a cavity very easily and build a nest in a few weeks.
Fun fact:
The Pileated Woodpecker drills rectangular holes to find insects, such as ants. Sometimes the work is so strong that it weakens small trees and causes them to break.
* 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!
Go Mothing!
Summer is an excellent time to search for moths. There are a few simple ways to find them. Moths tend to be attracted to lights, so an easy way to attract them is to turn on a porch light and bring them close. To see them better, hang a white sheet on a clothesline or wall and shine a light onto it. Then just wait and see.
You can also attract moths by providing a sugary food. Make “moth food” – mix, sugar and a fruit, such as banana or peach. Then spread it on a tree trunk and check back as the sun sets.
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...
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