Grayslake, IL - This October, more than 30 Lake County community members of all ages learned more about their wild neighbors, including bats, cicadas, cockroaches, coyotes, opossums, owls, snakes, and spiders. Participants explored local wildlife through storytelling, hands-on activities, live animal demonstrations, and displays featuring native species. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe and interact with some of the animals while learning about their roles in local ecosystems
University of Illinois Extension 4-H Metro Youth Educator Jesse Davis created and presented the program, stating, "Having fun while learning about nature and our often misunderstood wild neighbors can help dismantle negative perceptions and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world."
Through direct interaction with live animals and educational activities, participants were encouraged to rethink stereotypical perceptions and develop a greater appreciation for the important roles these species play in local ecosystems. Davis hopes the program will help residents make informed decisions when they encounter wildlife and foster communities that are more supportive of conservation efforts
If you missed this program and are interested in learning more about local wildlife, sign up for Lake County Extension’s Junior Master Naturalist Program, Reptiles and Amphibians: Where Do They Go in the Winter?, on November 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn what makes reptiles and amphibians unique, explore brumation, discover how underground burrows provide shelter, and examine how reptiles survive in cooler temperatures.
For more information about natural resources education programs, visit the Illinois Extension Serving Lake and McHenry Counties website at https://extension.illinois.edu/lm or contact your local Extension office.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.