








Field Trip: OAKtober in Oakdale
Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 9 – 10 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road
Freeport, IL 61032
Coordinator: Adam Moderow
Join an OAKtober hike through Oakdale to learn about oak trees and their important roles in an ecosystem.
Field Trip: Our Decomposing World
Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road
Freeport, IL 61032
Coordinator: Adam Moderow
Autumn is the perfect time to learn about the decomposition around you and how life and death cycle through an ecosystem. Dress warmly and be prepared to get your hands dirty.
To register for either of these events, contact Adam at 815-541-5842 or by email at adamoderow@gmail.com. We anticipate not needing masks but please have one with you should guidelines change.
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
The small Black-capped Chickadee is a resident bird and often a favorite of backyard bird watchers. They are common throughout the year and a common visitor to bird feeders in the winter, especially if suet, sunflower, peanuts, and millet are there. They are curious birds and may even feed off of your hand if you are lucky!
Both male and female have a black cap, black bib, white cheeks, and gray back, wings, and tail. You can often hear the chickadee before you see it, with its distinctive "fee-bee" or "chickadee-dee-dee" call.
Chickadees are typically found in deciduous forest areas and are cavity nesters, which is why it is beneficial to allow dead trees to remain for habitat. Both male and female excavate the nest hollow and the female will build the nest, often using soft moss and rabbit fur to line the nest. Outside of winter, they are primarily insectivores, relying on insect protein to feed their young as well.
Source: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/overview
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!
Fall is an excellent time to learn about deciduous trees, such as oak trees and maple trees. A good activity for the family is to learn about the life cycle of an oak tree. Find an oak forest and start exploring and observing.
During autumn, deciduous trees start to lose their leaves, preparing for the dormant period of winter. Spend a few minutes underneath the trees and wait for some leaves and acorns to fall (watch out!). They are falling because now is the time for the seed to land on the ground and become covered by snow. The seeds will overwinter and upon spring, the little plant will emerge from the seed ready to become a mighty oak someday.
Examine an acorn for herbivore activity by looking for small holes. The acorn may have a tiny insect larvae inside, using the seed for nutrients. Or, watch squirrels scurry around, collecting acorns, also relying on the seed for food.
Also examine the leaves for herbivore activity. You may notice small bumps called galls, which the plant produces in response to insect larvae. Also take notice of the color change within the leaf – the green chlorophyll has likely disappeared, leaving red, orange, or yellow pigments to remain.
Finally, lay down in the bed of leaves and make a “leaf angel” similar to a snow angel in the winter! Using your senses, listen to the crunching sounds of the leaves and smell the scents of autumn.
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.
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