World Migratory Bird Day Celebration at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Genoa City, WI – Do you know the birds that live and feed in woods, prairies and wetlands nearby? Come out on May 17th and learn which birds are likely to visit your property and how to share your space with them. The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) event from 7:30 to 9 am, Saturday, May 17 at the refuge’s Turner Tract in the Goose Pond Corridor, Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge located at N541 County Highway H, Genoa City, Wisconsin. Self-guided and guided walks through the refuge will feature the different habitats found at Turner Tract and their importance to birds. The parking lot is on the west side of Highway H, right next to the ‘Welcome to Genoa City’ sign. “Shared Spaces” is the slogan for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. World Migratory Bird Day 2025 focuses on the many ways that we can help birds where we live by creating bird-friendly communities. Seven simple actions that help birds are:
• planting native plants for bird food and shelter;
• dimming lights at night: the glow from our communities and homes may disrupt their cycle of rest, alter their migration, and impact breeding;
• making windows visible: birds don’t recognize plane glass and may collide with windows;
• protecting insects by avoiding the use of pesticides: 95% of birds depend on insects at some time during their life cycle;
• restraining your pets: We love our pets, but free roaming cats and dogs can disturb and even kill birds.
• saying “no” to plastics that litter birds’ habitat by reusing shopping bags and avoiding single-use plastic bottles and utensils.
• purchasing sustainable foods: shade-grown coffee and chocolate protect tropical agroforests by keeping the native tree diversity and canopy that supports migratory birds where they winter.

Then from 10 am to 2 pm, you are also invited to enjoy a variety of bird-themed activities and crafts, including guided hikes, a live bird and a scavenger hunt at Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park, 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, Illinois.

This World Migratory Bird Day celebration is hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District. Schedule of Events at Lost Valley Visitor Center 10–11:30 am — Intermediate Bird Hike (English or Spanish) 11:00 am–1:00 pm — Learn about birds of prey and meet a live bird 12:30–1:30 pm — Beginner Bird Hike (English or Spanish) About Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge— The mission of Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and to connect people to these resources. For more information, visit hackmatacknwr.org.