During May, songbirds migrating from South America pass through our area on their way to breeding grounds in the forests of Canada. These tiny travelers use forest preserves as stopover spots to rest and refuel. Join us to learn the secrets of these birds’ extraordinary journeys during guided hikes, family activities and presentations.
9-9:45 a.m.: Keynote speaker Joel Greenburg will present “On Contested Ground: The Changing Nature of the Prairie Forest Ecotone.” Explore the plants, birds and other wildlife of the area and how their statuses have changed since Europeans first arrived in 1673.
9-9:45 a.m.: Guided family bird hikes
10-10:30 a.m.: Hoo’s Woods live raptor presentation
10:30-11 a.m.: Mini guided bird hike
10:30-11:45 a.m.: Extended guided bird hike
11-11:30 a.m.: Hoo’s Woods live raptor presentation
Noon - 12:30 p.m.: Hoo’s Woods live raptor presentation
12:30-1 p.m.: Mini guided bird hike
Ongoing activities will include self-guided tours of the birding trail and the new All-Abilities Trail; crafts and family activities; a wildlife photography exhibit featuring local artists Eileen Capodice, Mike Nagrocki and Matthew Zook; information booths for the Will County Audubon Society and The Nature Foundation of Will County; bird seed for sale from The Feed Loft; birdhouses and sculptures for sale from PK’s Wood Things; and food truck fare for sale from Lil’ Deb’s Mobile Eats.