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Illinois Department of Natural Resourses (IDNR) - Workshops
             


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education sponsors educator workshops through the ENTICE program. These workshops offer Professional Development Hours for teachers.

Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description. A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person plus a $1.00 convenience fee per registration unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will be asked if they want to transfer their registration to another ENTICE workshop or receive a refund. Some restrictions apply.

ENTICE workshops are available to teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only.


2022-2023 Workshop Schedule | Spring 2023 | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 |

Spring 2023 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Spring
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  April 1, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Registration for this workshop is closed.


Course Name:  Illinois Frogs and Toads
Program:  ENTICE
Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s):  April 15, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Hop on over to The Morton Arboretum and join us for this workshop about Illinois frogs and toads. Designed for educators of grades prekindergarten through four, you will learn about these amazing creatures and receive many Illinois-specific resources. Anuran life history, identification, relationships to other organisms and adaptations will be among the topics covered. Teachers of other grades are welcome to register for the workshop but will need to adapt the information, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Illinois Wild Mammals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles
Date(s):  April 29, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild mammals to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Wetlands
Program:  ENTICE
Location: The Grove, Glenview
Date(s):  May 6, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we learn what wetlands are and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations and identification of wetland species and will put the skills to practice as we visit and sample several wetlands on the grounds of The Grove, comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you will receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Urban Wildlife
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s):  May 13, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Wildlife is all around us, even in downtown Chicago! Educators of grades prekindergarten through four are invited to participate as we learn where to look for urban wildlife, what you can expect to find, how to identify species and how to improve urban wildlife habitat at your school. Natural resources professionals and educators will instruct about these topics and more, including how species adapt to the urban environment, how humans affect urban wildlife and how to use urban wildlife topics as the foundation for locally relevant, place-based teaching. Receive supplemental educational materials to enhance your teaching. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Introducing Early Childhood Students to the Nature of Summer
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Kendall County Forest Preserve District, Yorkville
Date(s):  May 20, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Summer is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in summer. We will take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We will be incorporating several topics. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through three, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You will take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about summer nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Coyote Track
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda
Date(s):  June 3, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Coyote Track is a standards-based, educational program developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Wildlife Resources with assistance from the IDNR Division of Education. The program is centered around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. This workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and lessons that support the unit. The workshop is for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Animal Architects
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  June 10, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. Attend this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through three and learn about beaver dams, spider webs, mussel shells, bird nests and so many other amazing objects constructed by animals in our local environment. Challenge the engineering skills of your students to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. All educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Pollinators
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Carlyle Lake Visitors Center, Carlyle
Date(s):  June 17, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 They buzz, flutter and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will view an observation hive and take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Summer 2023 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Illinois Birds for Junior High and High School Teachers
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Date(s):  June 21, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Bring the biodiversity of Illinois birds into your classroom. Targeted for educators of junior high school and high school, this workshop will focus on the ecology of birds. We will spend time in the field studying avian behavior and participating in a bird banding demonstration. We will also provide bird banding data sets for two species of birds to take back to your classroom for students to analyze and interpret. You will leave feeling confident leading students in observing and interpreting birds while meeting Next Generation Science Standards. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Illinois Wild Mammals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Vermilion County Conservation District, Danville
Date(s):  July 6, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild mammals to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wildlife Basics: Illinois Wild Mammals
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island
Date(s):  July 12, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild mammals? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Raptors
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Illinois Raptor Center, Decatur
Date(s):  August 26, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Educators of grades prekindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the hawks, owls, vultures, falcons and eagles of Illinois at the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur. Life history and identification information will be provided. Staff from the Illinois Raptor Center will have live raptors to observe, too. You will participate in educational activities related to raptors and will receive many resources to help you incorporate the topic into your curriculum. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Tree Squirrels
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles
Date(s):  September 16, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 How much do you really know about squirrels? Come to this workshop and learn about the life history of Illinois tree squirrels. We will go for a hike to observe squirrels and evidence of their presence. We will look at how you can use squirrel observations to help you meet some of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards in science and Next Generation Science Standards. Although targeted to teachers of grades prekindergarten through four, all educators are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Fall 2023 | Top of Page |

Course Name:  Tree Homes
Program:  ENTICE
Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s):  September 23, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 From the camouflage of a walking stick insect to the nest of a great horned owl, animals of all shapes and sizes rely on the natural habitat created by trees for their daily needs. Learn about some of these amazing tree dwellers and how they use trees in a variety of ways as we explore the woodlands, wetlands and prairie at The Morton Arboretum. Although targeted to teachers of grades prekindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Illinois Biodiversity 101
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s):  September 30, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? How are plants and animals adapted for survival in the four major habitat types in the state? Can some species live in all of these habitats? We will answer these questions and provide much more information about aquatic, woodland, wetland and urban habitats and their inhabitants in this introduction to the natural resources of our state. Numerous supplemental educational items will be provided. Although targeted to educators of grades kindergarten and three, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Fall
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s):  October 7, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We will take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We will be incorporating animal tracks, animal signs, seeds and changes in leaves, too. We will show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You will take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Coyote Track
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Date(s):  November 4, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Coyote Track is a standards-based, educational program developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Wildlife Resources with assistance from the IDNR Division of Education. The program is centered around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. This workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and lessons that support the unit. The workshop is for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

| Register for this Workshop |


Course Name:  Wild Illinois History
Program:  ENTICE
Location: Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Date(s):  November 11, 2023
Time(s):  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Wild Illinois History is a self-contained teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight. The online interactive student activity and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history instruction by focusing on information regarding early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography in what was to become Illinois and the uses of wildlife by indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. The activity also highlights the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

| Register for this Workshop |


ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
ENTICE workshops provide natural resources information, instructional methods and supplemental educational materials. When incorporated into lessons with students, the materials provided encourage and promote stewardship of our state’s natural resources. ENTICE also offers participants the opportunity to network with other educators in a friendly, cooperative, learning environment.

Illinois ENTICE provides the following items for participants.

  • free workshop/resource materials
  • meals during the workshop
  • opportunities to connect with natural resources and education professionals
  • lesson plans and activities correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards
  • for teachers, Professional Development Hours.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Workshops are open to all educators and are designed for targeted grade levels. Maximum enrollment for each course is 30 participants.


Have questions? Contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or 217-524-4126.

 

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