The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is launching “Building for Wildlife,” a new workshop series at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, offering youth hands-on opportunities to build structures that support native Illinois wildlife.
“Building for Wildlife brings together many aspects of the IDNR mission, from education to conservation, in the setting of our inspiring historic sites,” said IDNR Director Jim Montgomery. “This is just the sort of program that can make a difference for Illinois wildlife, one birdhouse at a time.”
Upcoming workshops include building a bat house to support Illinois bat species on Saturday, Oct. 17, and building a birdhouse for the black-capped chickadee on Saturday, Nov. 7. Each 90-minute workshop will provide materials and instruction. Some materials will be pre-cut and pre-measured.
The workshops are open to participants aged 7 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult, as younger participants may need assistance using hand tools and completing projects.
The programs are free. Registering online is recommended as space is limited. For more information email DNR.historicspringfield@illinois.gov or call 217-524-3971.
