








Knotted Up!
Saturday, April 23, 2022
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Adam Moderow, contact
In this event, you will learn how to make basic knots and how they can be used for projects while out in nature. You will also learn how to build simple structures with twigs and knots! Meet at the parking lot by the Mogle Center.
To register, contact Adam at 815-541-5842 or by email at nwilaudubon@gmail.com.
World Migratory Bird Day Event
Saturday, May 14, 2022
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Freeport Art Plaza: 11-15 E. Douglas Street, Freeport, IL
(between the blocks of N. Chicago and N. State, across street from Freeport Public Library)
Our second annual WMBD event will have the theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night” to focus on the impacts of light pollution on migratory birds. The University of Illinois Extension and the Freeport Public Library will also be part of this event! We will have games, educational programs about birds, a chance to make decals for windows to protect birds, and free cookies while supplies last! The event will be outside and as well as in the Freeport Public Library, conference Room A and B (or entirely inside in case of inclement weather).
For up-to-date information, please follow our calendar closer to the event date..
Silver Creek Bird Festival
Saturday, May 21, 2022
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve, 5380 N Leaf River Rd, Mt Morris, IL
Join us for an informative, fun, family-friendly morning as we explore the Silver Creek Biodiversity preserve for the many migrating and resident birds found there. Tours will begin at 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. The 10:00 tour will be specifically oriented to kids and families, including information on how to use binoculars.
For up-to-date information, please follow our calendar closer to the event date.. If weather is questionable, call Mary at 815-938-3204.
Shelter
Saturday, May 28, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL
Coordinator: Adam Moderow, contact
In this event, we will discuss how to construct simple shelter in the spring and actually build one! Meet at the parking lot by the Mogle Center.
To register, contact Adam at 815-541-5842 or by email at nwilaudubon@gmail.com.
Scarlet Tanager
(Piranga olivacea)
The Scarlet Tanager is one of our favorite migrating birds in Illinois. They are a long-distance migrant, flying twice year across the Gulf of Mexico between North America and South America.
During the breeding season of our spring and summer, the male bird is almost entirely bright red with black wings, but in the fall, when it travels to South America, it is yellowish-green. The female bird is typically yellowish-green with dark wings throughout the year. The males produce a song similar to an American Robin and is often described like a robin singing with a sore throat.
Scarlet Tanagers are primarily insect-eaters, which is why they must migrate south to find food during our winters. They can often be found in deciduous forests, gleaning insects off of tree branches. They may also eat fruit and tree buds.
To help the population of Scarlet Tanagers, especially during migration time, make sure you turn off lights at night, provide fresh water, and encourage others to keep forests intact and avoid pesticide use (so there are plenty of insects to feed the birds!).
* 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!
Family Activity
Make your own window decals or “clings” to help protect your feathered friends during migration time. During migration, birds encounter numerous threats, including strikes with buildings and windows. Birds have difficulty knowing that a window is approaching when the reflection shows the sky behind them. If you break up the reflection in the window by turning off lights or putting decals in the windows, this can reduce window collisions and help the birds finish their journey.
This activity was created by New York Audubon and only requires a few items you likely already have at home. You’ll need some glue, dish soap, a plastic surface, a paintbrush, bird stencils or bird photographs to help you create fun shapes, and markers for decorating once dry.
Follow the instructions provided in the link above and create some clings to stick to your windows during peak migration of spring and fall! Make sure you create quite a few decals for large windows and place them no more than 2-4 inches apart on the window.
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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Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
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