Gail Borden offers 'Eco Heroes' program for youth

Make your summer "green" with Gail Borden Public Library's "Eco Heroes" program.

This program for first- to fifth-graders will let them learn how to make a positive impact on the environment through fun experiments, crafts and exploration.

"Let it Rain" will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 17, at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd., and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin. Kids will learn how to make mini rain barrels.

The program will explore "What's Your Impact?" from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 24, at the South Elgin Branch; and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, at the Rakow Branch.

"Pond Ecology" at the Rakow Branch will give young ecologists in first to fifth grade an opportunity to investigate what's living in the Rakow Branch pond using nets for scooping and tools to sort through vegetation. The program will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4. Registration is required.

Although you may not be able to tell from looking at the surface, ponds are home to an incredibly diverse amount of life. From large wading birds to the smallest macroinvertebrates, young ecologists will investigate who's living in the Rakow Branch pond using nets for scooping and tools to sort through the vegetation in the search of the unique small critters hidden in each scoop. Wear clothes that can get messy and a hat to protect from midday sun. Come ready to learn and have fun! The program is being offered in cooperation with Friends of the Fox River.

For more information, go to www.gailborden.info.