Talk to Scientists and See What They Bring in at Bio Blitz Base Camp at St. James Farm
Be part of the first-ever Bio Blitz in DuPage County and see live frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and bats at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s “Centennial Nature Fest” from 11 a.m. ‒ 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville.
During the 24-hour Bio Blitz, District ecologists, top-notch scientists, citizen scientists, college students and volunteers will work to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi and other organisms as possible starting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 26. They will survey four DuPage County locations: Blackwell, Danada, St. James Farm and Herrick Lake forest preserves.
To help kick off the Bio Blitz, individuals are invited to work side-by-side with entomologists from the Field Museum and Purdue University to find insects at Danada or St. James Farm forest preserves from 9 ‒ 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26. The event is free and open to ages 8 and up, but registration is required by calling 630-942-6200.
At Saturday’s Nature Fest, visitors can meet live native wildlife, participate in nature activities and meet scientists. Kids of all ages can track animals, orienteer, climb a tree and explore the plants and animals that grow, crawl, fly and swim in DuPage County’s forest preserves. Stations — many with hands-on activities — will feature live bats, hawks, owls and falcons; monarch butterflies; animal tracking and identification; fly tying and information about prescription burns and fire prevention.
“We invite everyone to join in our centennial celebration by coming to exciting events like ‘Nature Fest,’ which help build a greater understanding and appreciation for all things nature,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.
In addition to Forest Preserve District ecologist, naturalists and wildlife specialists, there will be representatives from the Chicago Area Orienteering Club, Downers Grove Park District’s Lyman Woods, DuPage Birding Club, DuPage River Fly Tyers, EcoMyths Alliance, Fermilab, Greater DuPage Wild Ones, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Northeast Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership, Organization for Bat Conservation, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, SCARCE, U.S. Forest Service and the Wheaton Park District’s Lincoln Marsh.
A variety of food trucks will also be at the event, including Toasty Cheese, Cupcakes for Courage, Pop-A-Harry’s, Babycakes, OMango, The Salsa Truck, Chicago Pizza Boss and Beavers Coffee & Donuts.
Nature Fest is one of many events and programs celebrating Forest Preserve District’s centennial in 2015. For a complete listing of centennial events, visit dupageforest.org/100years.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.