Big Run Wolf Ranch, PAWS and more offered this month in Elgin
Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., is offering a variety of programs in June, sponsored by Friends of Lords Park Zoo. To learn more, visitwww.elginpublicmuseum.org.
• "Adventures in the Zoo: Wildflowers" will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 8. In spring and summer, Lords Park boasts a large number of wildflowers which have been used for food, medicine, and color for hundreds of years by native peoples and settlers alike. Join museum staff at the Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin, for a lesson on native plant identification and usage, and make a flower-themed craft to take home. No registration required for this free program.
• "PAWS on the Porch: What is a Squirrel?" will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 9. Join museum staff at the Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin, for the Preschool Awareness World Series. Meet near the farm house porch for miniature nature lessons geared toward ages 3-6. Hear stories, sing songs, make crafts and for other hands-on activities. No registration required for this free program.
• Stop by the Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin, for a chance to see the amazing animals of "Big Run Wolf Ranch" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Have you ever seen a wolf with your own eyes? How different are they from our native coyotes? See both of these predators as well as a groundhog, skunk and porcupine at this special program at Lords Park Zoo, presented by Elgin Public Museum. No registration required for this free program.
• "Adventures in the Zoo: Bees, Bats & Pollination" will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin. Both bees and bats are responsible for pollinating many food sources, and both are currently threatened by the actions of humans. Come on down to the zoo to catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals, and learn what can be done to protect them. No registration required for this free program.
• "PAWS on the Porch: What is a Tree?" will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 23 at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin. Join museum staff at the Lords Park Zoo for the Preschool Awareness World Series. Meet near the farm house porch for miniature nature lessons geared toward ages 3-6. Hear stories, sing songs, make crafts and for other hands-on activities. No registration required for this free program.
• Sign up for Bison Feeding in Lords Park from 7-8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24. The fee is $2, $1 for children or free for members. Get an up close and personal look at the bison, deer and elk at the Lords Park Zoo. Meet at the Elgin Public Museum for a short introduction after which attendees will head for the zoo to assist the zookeeper in feeding these animals. Space is limited to 12 people, so register early!
• "Adventures in the Zoo - Insects" will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 28. Insects are everywhere! There are more insects on Earth than all other animals combined. Are all bugs insects? What body parts are the same for all insects? See the world through an insect's eyes and watch simulated mouth parts in action. Check out insect life cycles and go on a bug hunt! Be sure to set the bugs free and unharmed when you're done observing them through the specialized bug boxes - they've got an important job to do! No registration required for this free program.