New bird watching station at Kickapoo Park brings opportunities to see local wildlife

[February 16, 2015]  LINCOLN - Kickapoo Creek Park, on the north edge of Lincoln, IL, has a new bird watching station. Chuck McGee, Kickapoo Creek Board Chairman stated, “For years we have wanted a way for our visitors to see the great variety of birds we have at the park. Close up bird identification and photography are certainly possible now.”

Kickapoo Creek Park provided the funding for the new bird watching station. Jim Struebing, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Volunteer, designed the structure and Harnacke Builders was the contractor. Struebing said, “The idea was to provide park visitors a close-up view of the birds along with a shelter to protect birders from the weather.” The birding station has 10 feeders, plate glass windows, benches, bird posters, and checklists, and is close to the parking lots. Scheduled bird watching sessions with Master Naturalists may begin in the near future.

Jennifer Fishburn, U of I Extension Horticulture Educator, who oversees the Master Naturalist program said, “This is another example of how the Master Naturalist program connects people with nature along with providing education and stewardship opportunities in the local area.”

Training for a new class of Master Naturalists begins in August. Struebing said, “We are trying to expand our Master Naturalist volunteer program. The program is very educational and rewarding.” To learn more about the U of I Extension Master Naturalist program visit http://web.extension .illinois.edu/mn/  or to learn more about the program in Logan county contact [phone].

Kickapoo Creek Park is one of the partners in the Master Naturalist program along with Lincoln Memorial Garden, Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, Friends of the Sangamon Valley, and the University of Illinois Extension. All provide volunteer and educational opportunities in Logan, Sangamon, and Menard Counties.

Kickapoo Creek Park site superintendent Don Hellman said, “The birds certainly like the new feeding and viewing station based on how much food they are consuming. I think they like to people watch, too. We hope our visitors will take advantage of what we have here.”

[Jennifer Fishburn, University of Illinois Extension serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties]