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If cypress swamps are the Cache River's signature natural community, then birds are its signature animal species. Some of the kaleidoscope of bird species found in the Cache include; Black vultures, Pileated woodpeckers and the state-endangered Barn owl. Snowy egrets, Yellow-crowned night herons, Black-crowned night herons, and Little blue herons are among some of the wading birds, while American pipits, Marbled godwit, and American avocets are a sample of shore birds. Hooded mergansers, Red-breasted mergansers and Greater scaup are a few of the noted divers. Cerulean, Blue-winged, Worm-eating and the Bay-breasted warblers are some of the more unusual 30 species of warblers seen, while others with southern affinities such as the Yellow-throated, Hooded, Prairie, and Prothonotary warblers are routinely spotted by birders. Songbirds are abundant and include 49 species of neo-tropical migratory birds that breed here, such as Summer tanagers and White-eyed vireo. Fish crows and Mississippi kites are among the Gulf Coastal Plain species whose ranges reach into the Cache River basin.

We have a variety of activities for this year's event that highlight and focus on the Cache River’s diversity of birds and the area’s unique natural history. All activities are free with the exception of the Birding Blitz. All trips are on designated trails; however, it is important to wear appropriate footwear for canoeing, sturdy shoes for land excursions and to dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and anything else that might make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Program information and registration is located at the Cache River Wetlands Center. All Programs are free. Pre-registration is required for canoe tours; please call Cypress Creek NWR at 618-634-2231 to reserve a space. Visitors may register for other tours and hikes the day of the event at the Cache River Wetlands Center. For more information contact, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 618-634-2231.
 

Take the Cache Challenge – Win a Cache Patch

Calling All Youth (under 18) to take the Cache Challenge; attend 4 of the 7 activities listed on the card and win a collectible Cache River Wetlands patch. Be sure to pick-up a “punch card” at the Information table to record program attendance; the completed card can be redeemed for a patch!

Cache River Wetlands Center Open:
8:00am - 5:00pm
In addition to registration and information, the Wetlands Center will feature a variety of programs and children's activities. Natural resource staff will be available to provide area information and direct visitors to the many events that will be held during Nature Fest. The facility includes interpretive exhibits, displays, an audiovisual presentation, a wildlife observation deck, and a link to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Face painting, “cool” bird tattoos (washable), Kidz birding hike, live animal presentations and many nature related activities for all ages are scheduled throughout the day.

Birding Blitz 2010, $Participation FEE$
12:01am to midnight
For the ninth year, southern Illinois is inviting all bird lovers to participate in the region's only Birding Blitz--a friendly competition to see which team can identify, by sight or sound, as many bird species as possible within a 24 hour period. Experts predict that teams could see as many as 200 species of birds during the event. Birding teams seek sponsors to pledge an amount of money for each species recorded. The more species documented, the more money raised for habitat restoration projects in the Cache River Wetlands. The Birding Blitz will conclude with a Sunday brunch and award ceremony at the Cache River Wetlands Center. Each participant will receive a Nature Fest T-shirt. There are a number of entry categories, including open (a true Big Day), muscle-powered (no motorized vehicles), senior, and selected site. Pre-registration is necessary, and there is a fee for this event. Click here for more information. 

Cold-blooded Creatures of the Cache
9:00am – 4:00pm
How can you tell a male box turtle from a female? If you step on a cottonmouth snake does it bite? What kind of lizard has a blue tipped tail? Learn answers to these questions and explore Illinois’ most fascinating, yet often misunderstood, inhabitants with Tony Gerard, Biology Instructor at Shawnee College. You’ll learn about snakes, lizards, frogs, toads and salamanders that are found in the Cache River Wetlands. Participants will have an opportunity to see a variety of these species up close.

Birds of Prey Show
1:00pm & 3:00pm
Join staff from Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation for an up close and personal view of owls, hawks, and other bird species. Wildlife Rehabilitator, Beverly Shofstall, will share some fascinating facts about each bird’s natural history and give spectators the opportunity to see them up close and personal. The program will also focus on current issues facing raptors in the wild. Don't miss this special opportunity.

Hummingbird Banding
8:00am – 11:00am
Bird banding is an international effort that focuses not only on ducks and geese, but also on birds of much smaller proportions. Join Audubon staff and a federally licensed bird bander for an opportunity to view the methods used in capturing ruby-throated hummingbirds and other songbirds. Participants will also learn how the data collected from this research is used in conservation efforts.

Ecological Fitness Trail
9:00am – 4:00pm
Test your knowledge about the Cache River Wetlands and learn some interesting facts through this interactive program. The Ecological Fitness Trail includes a series of ten stations that provide fun facts about the variety of plants and animals that live in the Cache River Wetlands. Even if you don’t know much about the ecology of the Cache ---- the ecological fitness trail will help you learn about the natural history of the area. This activity is fun for all ages. So get fit and take the challenge!

Bald Eagle Exhibit
The American bald eagle has made a great come back in the Cache River Wetlands. Join nature photographer and bird expert Dave Brewer for an incredible introduction to the bald eagle. This exhibit features detailed images that show this birds’ physical characteristics and behavior. Mr. Brewer will also share his knowledge about eagles, their natural history and his experiences capturing this magnificent bird. Identification and resource books will also be available for visitors to use and look for eagles along the Cache River.

Kidz Birding
This youth activity will bring out the bird lover in every child. Children will explore the world of birds through this interactive program. Kids will learn how to identify some common birds from this area while searching for them on an outside hike around the Wetlands Center. The use of resources, such as bird identification books, will be taught so kids can even learn about birds from home. This program is geared towards kids, but all ages are welcome. Come enjoy and learn about our feathered friends with this fun program.

Kidz Corner
Bring your kids over to the ‘Kidz Corner’! Interactive and hands-on fun, sure to inspire the nature lover of any age. Encourage your children to “Get WILD” through creating their own bandanas and kites using wildlife track stamps or show off their love for nature with a bird tattoo (temporary) or face painting of a critter, flower or tree! The Kidz corner provides great hands-on opportunities for all ages to learn about wildlife of the “Cache”.

Hydrology of the Cache
Have you ever wondered how the rivers were formed and why they twist, turn, and meander? Check out the cool “River” table and learn how and why rivers flow. The “hydrology” table simulates different scenarios that affect the formation of a river by sending a water solution over a sand like substance. Watch how certain alterations to a river, such as the construction of dams or levees, affects the form of the river.

Native Fish Exhibit & Fish I.D. Game Wheel
Test your knowledge of fish that are found in the Cache River Wetlands and learn about some these unique aquatic species. Live fish and other native aquatic species will be displayed for visitors to get an up close view of some of the exciting underwater world inhabitants found in the Cache River. Also you can play the Fish I.D. Wheel Game where everyone walks away a winner by gaining knowledge of fish natural history and fun facts fish facts.

Field Trips, Hikes, and Tours

> Download Maps & Directions

Heron Pond Nature Hike
Hikes offered at 10:00am and 1:00pm
Heron Pond State Natural Area is one of Illinois’ finest bald cypress swamps. Join staff for a hike to see, hear and learn about the rich diversity of flora and fauna found in this special site within the Cache River Wetlands. These guided hikes offer wildlife watching opportunities and features a floating boardwalk that meanders between towering cypress trees. This two hour, easy to moderate hike will depart from the Cache River Wetlands Center to Heron Pond trailhead where the hike will begin. Please register the day of the event at the Cache River Wetlands Center.

Cache River Wetlands Canoe Tour
Tours offered throughout the day
Join us for a guided tour through Buttonland Swamp - a National Natural Landmark. The Illinois state champion bald cypress tree grows here, as well as tupelo and other species that favor this habitat. Some of the trees at this site have been aged between 500 and 1,000 years old. The area hosts a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds, and songbirds, and if you're lucky a river otter, beaver, or mink may be spotted. The trip will take you along a canoe trail that meanders through backwater sloughs to the state champion bald cypress and Short Reach. This is a great opportunity for the beginning canoeist and a great place to experience the beauty of the Cache River Wetlands. There is limited space on each tour. You may pre-register after 3/22/10 by calling 618-634-2231. If space is available participants may register the day of the event at the Cache River Wetlands Center.

Happy Herping Hike
Hike offered at 11:00am
Frogs, snakes, turtles and more will be shared along this hike. Along the way resource staff will search nooks and crannies for cold-blooded critters and share fascinating facts about native reptiles and amphibians. Check out the cold-blooded critter exhibit and take the hike too – You’ll have the chance to see several species up close and personal! Please register the day of the event at the Cache River Wetlands Center.

Wildcat Bluff East Overlook
Hikes offered at 9:00am and 1:00pm
Join us on “top of the world” overlooking the Cache River and the surrounding floodplain forest on a hike through Wildcat Bluff and Little Black Slough Nature Preserve. The hike starts along the base of an exposed sandstone and limestone bluff and then continues to Boss Island, which is the site of a bald cypress cabin that dates back to 1853. This easy to moderate hike will provide a great opportunity to learn about the variety of habitat and wildlife found within the Cache River Watershed. Please register the day of the event at the Cache River Wetlands Center.

More Hikes and Activities are planned -- Be sure to stop by the
Information Tent for a Schedule of Events.

> Download 2010 Outings & Events Schedule
> Download Maps & Directions

 
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