The new educational pavilion glows at twilight.

Jacques Nuzzo talks about nature's creepy component - spiders, bugs, snakes, maggots and - well you get the picture.

Girl scouts navigate through the prairie to get a sense of what early settlers must have experienced.

Scouts gather under the new educational pavilion.

Diary of a Restoration

21st Installment, Oct. 14, 2006

More than 50 Girl Scouts came out to IRC for the annual "Spooktacular," a popular event that combines Halloween fun with environmental education. Kids learned about prairies, owls, insects and spiders and had a cookout supper with hot dogs and marshmallows.

Jacques Nuzzo kicked things off with a talk on nature's "creepy component" that includes spiders, bugs, snakes and a praying mantis. Kids learned about the roles these critters play in nature.

Scouts and their parents were treated to a birds of prey program featuring three owls and a turkey vulture.

Kids also learned about prairies, and had the chance to wade into the tall grass to see for themselves a bit of what early settlers must have experienced.

They also learned how seeds are transported by animals - and many scouts took seeds and bundles of dried flowers home with them.

Learning can be fun, and scouts prove it everytime they come out to the IRC for a special program.

Return to Illinois Raptor Center Home Page | Find out about the IRC's educational programs | Return to previous diary installment | Go to Diary Directory |