Upcoming Stillman Nature Center events include bird walk, campfire, pond study

Stillman Nature Center at 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington, will offer the following events and programs. For details, visit stillmannc.org, email stillmangho@gmail.com, or call (847) 428-OWLS (6957).

Sunday morning bird walk: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 7. Experienced birder David Johnson will lead this morning bird walk, intended for adults and children age 10 and older. Binoculars would be helpful. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, Stillman does. If it’s raining, the activity will be canceled. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Call to RSVP if you plan to attend.

Bats and campfire: 8-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20; 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Ever wonder about these creatures that come out at night? Why are bats so mysterious? Join bat naturalist Lara Sviatko for bat information, a campfire, and roasted marshmallows. Participants will hear sounds of nocturnal wildlife and end the evening with a visit to Stillman’s resident owls. Suggested donation is $5.

Snakes and turtles: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12. Join naturalist and reptile enthusiast Lara Sviatko as she shares her knowledge about these cold-blooded animals. Participants will have a chance to touch a snake as well as look for Stillman’s snakes and pond turtles. For adults and children ages 8 and older. Free, but call to reserve a spot.

Pond study: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26. With the help of long-handled dip nets, families (including children ages 8 and older) will scoop into Stillman’s pond in hopes of catching crayfish, dragonfly larvae, tadpoles and other rarely seen pond creatures. Dress in clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Free, but call or email to make reservations, since space is limited.