Illinois Valley

Migratory Bird Discovery Hike set March 22 at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

Refuge home to more than 270 bird species

The photos in this gallery were taken at the wetlands initiative site — the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and the Hennepin-Hopper Lakes area — in rural Hennepin on Monday, April 2.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists invite people to a Migratory Bird Discovery Hike from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 780 East Road, Hennepin. (Shaw File Photo)

By Derek Barichello

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists invite people to a Migratory Bird Discovery Hike from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 780 East Road, Hennepin.

The 3,000-acre refuge is home to more than 730 native plant species and 270 bird species. Thousands of migrating waterfowl use Hennepin and Hopper Lakes as a critical stopover during the spring migration.

Enjoy a guided hike through the scenic wetlands led by Dixon Refuge site manager Justin Seibert and Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers. Explore the wetlands, observe the spring migration, and learn about the important conservation work being done at the refuge.

This program is suitable for all ages and levels of birdwatching experience, from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars. Register online at go.illinois.edu/MigratoryBirdHike.

For an accommodation to participate, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896. Requests are encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

BCR
Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.