Springfield Audubon Society, Stewards of Adams Wildlife Sanctuary

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Springfield Audubon Society, Stewards of Adams Wildlife Sanctuary

Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society with projects and programs at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary Correspondence should be directed to: P.O. Enjoy!

Our mission is to promote the perpetuation of our native flora and fauna and their habitats. The chapter "will initiate, assist and support effective programs which seek to protect our native plants and animals and their unique environments. The Adams Wildlife Sanctuary is the property of the Illinois Audubon Society. Box 984, Springfield, IL 62705

Adams Wildlife Sanctuary is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. There is no charge or need to check in.

06/14/2026

Great sightings at the sanctuary last week! One of the highlights of Kevin Veara’s sanctuary exploration was an eight-spotted forester moth sporting bright orange legs. It was observed in the prairie not far from the woodland, typical for this species that thrives in transitional zones where wooded areas meet open fields.

On Brian “Fox” Ellis’s Birdwatching Adventures hike we had the amazing opportunity to compare the different shades of blue of an Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak - equally gorgeous - as they sat nearby each other on the tall grasses of the prairie. What will show up this week?

This week’s hikes, weather permitting:

Tuesday, 6/16, 8:00 a.m.
Sanctuary Exploration with Artist in Residence, Kevin Veara

Friday, 6/19, 8:00 a.m.
Birdwatching Adventures with Brian “Fox” Ellis

Free and open to the public. A limited number of loaner binoculars are available.

Photo: Eight-spotted forester moth at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary by Dennis Campbell

06/11/2026

Firefly Walk at the Sanctuary returns! Thursday, June 18th

8:00 p.m. Ice cream and crafts
8:45 p.m. Firefly walk begins

Enjoy ice cream and crafts followed by a firefly walk on the sanctuary’s trails. Firefly experts Allen Yow and Andy Smith will help identify the various species of firefly by their flash patterns, flash colors and behavior. Learn more about what can be done to protect fireflies while enjoying a magical light show in the sanctuary’s woodland and prairie.

Caution: Do not put insect repellant on your hands if you plan to catch fireflies as it can harm or even kill them.

06/07/2026

There is always something special to see at the sanctuary, like this gorgeous prairie rose! Explore on your own or join one of the guided hikes.

This week’s hikes, weather permitting:

Tuesday, 6/9, 8:00 a.m.
Sanctuary Exploration with Artist in Residence, Kevin Veara

Friday, 6/12, 8:00 a.m.
Birdwatching Adventures with Brian “Fox”Ellis

Free and open to the public.

Photo: Mike Holinga

06/01/2026

Get ready for summer at the sanctuary! The month of June is packed with fun and fascinating activities.

05/31/2026

BEGINNING TUESDAY! The sanctuary’s Artist in Residence, Kevin Veara, will be exploring the sanctuary on Tuesday mornings weekly in search of species and inspiration for his next work of art. Along with birds, he will be looking for snails, moths, and mussels found at the wetland. Kevin is an acclaimed artist and naturalist whose pieces have been displayed in many galleries and museums. He has invited anyone interested in joining him on his explorations to meet him in the sanctuary parking lot on Tuesdays at 8:00 am. Ending date for these outings is yet to be decided so be sure to watch this page.

Begins June 2nd, 8:00 a.m.

Painting by Kevin Veara: “Lark Sparrow on Late Aster with Snuffbox Mussel”

See more of Kevin’s art at https://www.kevinveara.com/g-12_exult.htm

05/29/2026

Only a week away! “Birdwatching Adventures” with Brian “Fox” Ellis return on Friday mornings starting June 5th.

05/20/2026

We thank the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders - LLABB for bringing their skills to Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing us learn more about the amazing individuals found at the sanctuary as well as how information gathered by banding assists conservation research. Thanks again, LLABB!

05/15/2026

Bird Banding Demonstration this Saturday!
May 16th, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders will host a bird banding demonstration at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a close-up look at some of the sanctuary’s species - and participate in a bird release, if you wish! Hear what these expert banders can determine about individual birds and how this information assists long-term conservation research conducted by the USGS Bird Banding Lab.

Drop by anytime between 8 and noon, stay as long as you like, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat provided by Springfield Audubon Society.

Weather Note
Light or intermittent rain: Banding will continue (Banding takes place under shelter)
Heavy rain or storms: Banding canceled

05/11/2026

Don’t miss the final chance this spring to go on a bird hike with an ornithologist! Tuesday, March 12th, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Illinois Audubon Society’s Matt Hayes will be leading his final spring migration hike tomorrow morning at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. A few birds catching our attention on last week’s hike were a Black-throated Green Warbler, a Black-and-white Warbler, and an Ovenbird working the ground near a fallen log. Could it be considering building one of its “oven” nests? We’ll have to wait to see! Come out and enjoy a morning walk filled with the sounds of birds and opportunities to spot some cool species.

Meet in the sanctuary parking lot. Free and open to the public.

Address

2315 E Clear Lake Avenue
Springfield, IL
62703

Website

http://springfieldaudubon.org/

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