ROMEOVILLE, IL – Bird lovers and history enthusiasts alike are invited to explore the life and legacy of Robert Ridgway, a pioneering American ornithologist, during a special program Saturday, July 12, at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville.
Presented by the Forest Preserve District of Will County, the event features storyteller and naturalist Brian “Fox” Ellis in a first-person portrayal of Ridgway, the Smithsonian Institution’s first curator of birds and a founding member of the American Ornithologists’ Union. The program runs from 1 to 2 p.m. and is designed to engage adults 18 and older in the intersection of science, history and conservation.
According to the Forest Preserve District, the presentation will explore how Ridgway helped transform bird watching from a casual pastime into a rigorous scientific discipline. The program blends storytelling with ecology and art to inspire citizen science and promote awareness of bird habitat preservation.
Participants are encouraged to register by Thursday, July 10, at ReconnectWithNature.org. The event is free of charge.
The Ridgway program is part of a broader week of outdoor activities hosted by the Forest Preserve, including a guided bird hike led by Ellis earlier that morning from 10 to 11 a.m. at Isle a la Cache. Visitors can also enjoy other events countywide throughout the week, such as food truck festivals, journaling workshops, and family-friendly field games.
Isle a la Cache Museum is located in Romeoville along the Des Plaines River and serves as a hub for cultural and natural history programs year-round.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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