








Native Prairie Walk
Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve (4433 S. Cranes Grove Road)
Freeport, IL 61032
Leader Adam Moderow will teach kids and families about the abundant and diverse plant species that have called this area home since before the first settlers. Meet in the shelter/parking area on the west side of S. Cranes Grove Road. Register using the contact information below.
Navigating in the Wild
Saturday, July 17 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve (4433 S. Cranes Grove Road)
Freeport, IL 61032
Leader Adam Moderow will teach kids and families strategies for navigation, such as using your watch for a compass, finding East using a stick in the ground, or locating the placement of moss on a tree. Meet in the shelter/parking area on the west side of S. Cranes Grove Road.
To register for either of these events, contact Adam at 815-541-5842 or by email at adamoderow@gmail.com
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
The Common Grackle belongs to the large blackbird family, which includes relatives such as the Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, and Brown-headed Cowbird. The male is mostly black, but with a glossy and iridescent body and blueish head. The females are more subtle in color and less glossy. The adults have bright yellow eyes, while the younger birds have brown eyes.
You will typically find Common Grackles feeding on the ground, especially when other birds have knocked bird seed out of a feeder. They have special adaptations in their upper beak to help them saw open acorns. They are also good at searching and finding food, which can include taking worms away from American Robins.
In the winter, Common Grackles are often found in large flocks, which could reach numbers as high as millions. They can be loud and noisy, with varied squeaks, whistles, and croaks. They also are common around city parks, backyard lawns, and agriculture fields, since corn and rice are common favorite food items.
An interesting behavior that some grackles do is called anting. The birds will spread their wings over an ant hill and allow the ants to crawl over its body. It is believed that because the ants secrete formic acid when disturbed and during stinging, the acid might ward off parasites on the grackle body.
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!
Explore the Colors of Nature
First, take pieces of strong paper or index cards and color them with different crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Take these cards outside and match them with what you can find in nature. How many different shades of green can you find? How many different shades of brown can you find? Can you find the colors of the rainbow?
Remember to look high and low! At this time of year, many flowers are blooming with different shades of color but don't forget to look at what could be on or in the flower. The diversity of insects that visit the flowers is endless!
Observe the diversity of birds. Many birds appear one color, but at different angles, show a variety of other colors. For example, the Common Grackle may at first appear all black, but when the light strikes just right, you can see an iridescent rainbow. The male Ruby-throated hummingbird has a red throat at some angles, but it appears black at other angles. Other birds show their colors when their wings open - just wait and be patient and you might be able to see them show off their hidden colors!
For younger children, take a large piece of cardboard and make multiple circles, each with a different color outline. Ask your child to find loose items in nature and place them in the correct circle. This will incorporate early sorting skills, counting, and improve dexterity.
These activities are a great way for kids (and adults) to look closely and pay attention to what they are seeing.
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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