Count the critters at first Bio Blitz in DuPage
See live frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and bats at the first Bio Blitz in DuPage County.
During the 24-hour Bio Blitz, DuPage County Forest District ecologists, 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 launch 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 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 26. The event is free and open to ages 8 and older, but registration is required by calling (630) 942-6200.
The event is part of the Centennial Nature Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. James Farm Forest Preserve, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville.
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 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," Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore said.
In addition to forest preserve district ecologists, 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 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 and Donuts.
Nature Fest is one of many events and programs celebrating the forest preserve district's centennial in 2015. For a complete listing of centennial events, visit dupageforest.org/100years.
If you go
What: Centennial Nature Fest
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: St. James Farm Forest Preserve, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville
Cost: Free
Info: dupageforest.org/100years