Bring the family for the Hummingbird Festival and Nature Celebration August 18 at the Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher and stay at the nearby and affordable Best Western Inn Suites Midway Hotel!
Hummingbirds are cool little creatures for a number of reasons, including amazing flying ability, incredible eyesight, and an astounding memory. With a metabolism that’s off the charts, their bodies are fine-tuned for maximum overdrive and, as a result, they are constantly on the go. This nature celebration puts the spotlight on hummingbirds and other pollinators. Enjoy presentations, artisans, and vendors selling nature-related items and food.
Sign up to watch as the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders and volunteers capture and band hummingbirds. You can also adopt one through the association. The bird-banding activity is sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society.
Guest artist Cheryl Holz’s nature-inspired artwork will be on display in the nature center and a great blue heron mural created by Ryan “ARCY” Christenson will be outside. A free giveaway will be provided to the first 200 visitors.
Event Schedule: Native Bees of the Region – Laura Rericha, Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserves of Cook County: 1-2 p.m. Magic of Monarchs – Suzy Lyttle, Interpretive Naturalist, Forest Preserve District of Will County: 2-2:30 p.m.
Backyard Flower Power – Kate Caldwell, Interpretive Naturalist, Forest Preserve District of Will County: 2:30-3 p.m. Hummingbird Banding – Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders: 3-5 p.m. Raffle Drawing for Milkweed Painting, created by Artist and Photographer Don Sala, and Announcement of the Big Day – Bird Hike Challenge Raffle Winner: 5 p.m.
The Plum Creek Nature Center is located at 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher. The event is free. For more information, call 708-946-2216.
The Best Western Inn Suites Midway Hotel, just minutes away from the Hummingbird Festival and Nature Celebration, offers affordable guest rooms, free breakfast, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and a fitness center. Special AAA rates are available. Call the property direct at (708) 497-3000.