Friday, October 8–Tuesday, October 12
Programs are free, some require registration
Celebrate Pollinators!
Join Lincoln Park Zoo in celebrating the bats, birds, and butterflies that pollinate the world around us. Kickoff the week by learning how to do a bioblitz in your own backyard or neighborhood using the iNaturalist app! Continue the fun with programs and activities where you can learn more about the wildlife that shares our city, participate in challenges, and discover easy actions to help conserve native animals and plants. Finally, end the week by stopping by the zoo to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with special bird-themed chats and activities!
Participants who sign up for one of the starred programs, below, will receive free giveaways while supplies last that will help you continue to live wildlife-friendly.
Schedule of Activities
Bioblitz!
Friday, October 8-Tuesday, October 12
Virtual Program
How many species can you identify in one weekend? In your backyard or a nature space near you, you’ll use iNaturalist to count the plants, animals, fungi, and other living things that you see.
Participants – individuals, families, or a group of friends – will receive training via Zoom with Lincoln Park Zoo staff to investigate plants and animals in your own neighborhood. Then, you’ll get outdoors at your leisure throughout the weekend, and join us for a virtual wrap up on Monday.
Bio is a Greek word for life, and blitz is German for lightning. How many species do you think you can identify in one weekend?
Nature Boardwalk Birding Tour*
Saturday, October 9
Café Brauer Gate, 9 a.m.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by exploring the diversity of birds on a guided tour with zoo staff at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Nature Boardwalk. Learn about common birds found in Chicago – how to identify them, where and how to find them, and what they are doing during migration. Binoculars will be available for use, or bring your own.
Nature Boardwalk Second Saturday Garden Tour*
Saturday, October 9
Cafe Brauer Gate, 10 a.m.
Join fellow nature lovers for a guided tour of Lincoln Park Zoo’s diverse plant life and ecosystems. During each tour, a zoo horticulturist will point out interesting species in bloom, answer questions from guests, and discuss the horticulture program’s past, present, and future.
Bird Chats
Saturday, October 9
Throughout the day during zoo hours, no registration required
Join Lincoln Park Zoo educators at some of the zoo’s most intriguing bird habitats to learn all about the creatures we care for and live alongside. And be sure to take our free materials home with you to help make your windows safe for migrating birds!
The chat schedule will be available at Searle Visitor Center.