Exploring an Endangered Species: Black Crowned Night Herons
Lincoln Park Zoo
July 07, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
When you think of animal conservation, do you think of wild open spaces or a crowded city with little green space? You might be surprised to learn that cities can be exciting opportunities for the conservation of rare species. The largest nesting colony of endangered Black Crowned Night Herons in Illinois can be found at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, where scientists have been studying and protecting these birds for more than ten years. Learn about the ecology of Black Crowned Night Herons and how the concept of OneHealth connects with conservation efforts for this species. Come away with strategies for teaching about adaptations and ecosystems and ways to help your students develop skills in making observations and collecting data. his workshop is for grades 3rd to 5th but can be adapted for other grades. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. 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.
The total registration fee for this workshop is $11.00 (workshop fee of $10.00 plus a $1.00 convenience fee). Please enter the requested information. Once your transaction has been processed, we will add your name to the workshop roster. Workshop registration fees are non-refundable. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. 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.
Available For Teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only.
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.
Once you submit your registration to become a registered participant for a workshop, you will receive a confirmation reply email to your supplied email address. Please ensure that you have supplied an accessible email address, in order to receive your confirmation reply. If you do not receive a confirmation reply email, please contact the IDNR Division of Education at 217-524-4126or by email dnr.entice@illinois.gov. Do NOT try to register again. Check with us to see if we received a registration for you.
For questions about workshop registration, please contact the IDNR Division of Education at 217-524-4126or dnr.entice@illinois.gov