Children can explore desert plant life at Elgin museum

Help stimulate a child's natural curiosity of the diverse world around them through stories, games, crafts, songs and museum objects in the "Preschool Awareness World Series 2009: Hallowed Habitats."

Educational PAWS programs for children ages 3-7 along with their caregivers, are conducted from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd.

Join educator Marge Fox as she continues her adventures to different and exciting habitats with "In the Desert: Cacti." On June 13, children will explore the arid world of the desert and investigate the cactuses' role. The cactus supports animals, like bats and owls as well as insects with shelter and food. See cactus up close and personal. Make your own cactuses and even try a taste of prickly-pear jelly.

The Elgin Public Museum is Elgin's Lords Park. The fee for each program is $10 per child. Museum members pay $8. Space is limited; register by Wednesday, June 10. To register, call (847) 741-6655 or e-mail russell_epm@cityofelgin.org.

The series will continue on July 11 with "In the Prairie: Field Mouse" and on Aug. 8 with "In the Barnyard: Zoo."