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EMERSON SCHOOL’S ELMS
I grew up on the Near West Side of Chicago in a neighborhood of concrete and asphalt that was nearly…
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HEALING MY SILVER MAPLE
We have a 45 year old Silver Maple in our backyard. At some point in it's early days, someone probably…
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SAVING A TREE
I had an older Silver Maple in my backyard. I know they aren't the best trees but it provided much…
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Just for parents, kids and grandparents

Backyard Birds with the Kids

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In recent years, backyard bird feeding and other nature-related activities have become some of the most popular past times in the United States.

Providing bird feeders, bird houses, water and wildlife-friendly landscaping can provide hours of enjoyment for you and your family.

Many birds benefit from trees, shrubs and flowers that are native to Illinois. These plantings provide food and safe nesting places. Here’s a guide to Midwestern birds commonly seen in our Illinois backyards.

Q. What kind of tree ornaments can I make for birds?
A. 
A fun, kid-friendly project is to make seed bowls with citrus fruits. Cut an orange or grapefruit in half and squeeze out the juice. Punch three or four holes along the edge so that you can tie a string through them and form a hanging bowl, which you fill with seed.

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