Learn about the native birds, bees of Kirt Prairie this spring at College of DuPage

College of DuPage will host free birding and native bee tours and lectures in April and May on the college's Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Retired English adjunct faculty member John Cebula will lead a birding tour from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, at the northwest trailhead of the Kirt Prairie.

Participants will view and learn about as many as 30 of the more than 100 different bird species that make the prairie their home or pass through the prairie returning from their winter migration.

Cebula also will present a birding lecture from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in the Health and Science Center, Room 1234.

Attendees will learn about grassland and woodland habitats of local species of birds and receive information on bird watching as a hobby.

Native bee expert Terry Miesle will lead a tour and discussion on native bee species from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 3, in the Health and Science Center Atrium. Miesle will discuss the history and habits of the more than 400 important and lesser-known bee species of Illinois, as well as threats to their habitats and resources to get involved with helping protect this important animal.

For more information on these events, contact Outdoor Lab/Prairie Manager Remic Ensweiler at ensweilerr@cod.edu.

The college's prairie and natural areas feature nearly 300 species of native tallgrass plants. The area also hosts a variety of wildlife including many species of insects, toads, frogs, turtles, small mammals, coyotes and birds such as warblers, wading birds, owls and hawks.

Visit www.cod.edu for more information about events related to the natural areas on COD's campus.