More Nature Freebies: Posters, Activity Books, Maps, Guides and MORE!!!

Years ago I called the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and ordered some free posters "send me all you have!"

But I forgot all about that...until an email from a someone - can't remember who - gave IL DNR's site for online ordering.

You should see the stuff I ordered!!! I was like a kid at Christmas when my huge package came. Our hallway and two daughter's rooms are PLASTERED with posters. Oh, yes, and a few are right outside of the bathroom door - if you don't close it you can learn a few things sitting there! In fact - you ever have those facts that just don't sink in? Ours get posted on the shower door right across from the 'throne'!

IL DNR's Education internet site has an online order form, instructions for things like bird houses, contests and grants, lists of educational programs.

Educational Material Available is the starting page for their catalog - "there is no charge any of the materials."

Some of the treasures:

A to Z Teacher Poster: 24" x 36". Two-sided color poster featuring 26 common products obtained from trees along with an activity from Project Learning Tree and more information about tree products. Companion student coloring poster may be found in the Activity Sheets section of this list. Targeted Grades: K-8. Limited. Two per order.

Common Birds: 24" x 36." Two-sided color poster featuring 25 birds commonly seen in Illinois along with information about their life history, adaptations and more. Targeted Grades: All. Limited. Two per order.

Illinois' State Symbols: Activity book contains coloring pages and facts about the state symbols. Targeted Grades: K-6. Permission to photocopy these pages is granted for use with students in the classroom.

Slime, Scales and Mudpuppy Tails: This activity book contains information about Illinois amphibians and reptiles with illustrations to color. Targeted Grades: K-8. Permission to photocopy these pages is granted for use with students in the classroom.

Fishing Safety: This brochure provides safety tips about using tackle, dressing safely and boating safely while fishing.

How to Prune Trees: This brochure is produced by the USDA Forest Service. It contains information about the following topics: reasons for pruning; pruning approaches; pruning cuts; when to prune; pruning tools; treating wounds; and pruning guidelines.

Furbearers of Illinois: This DVD contains information about the characteristics and conservation of 14 native Illinois mammals species.

Illinois Wild Mammals Trunks Resource trunk available for loan only with a wide variety of materials to help students learn about mammals. Contains lessons, posters, CD-ROMs, field guides, skulls, fur samples, scat and track replicas and more. Targeted Grades: 4-8. For the nearest lending location in your area, call the IDNR Division of Education 217-524-4126; teachkids@dnrmail.state.il.us.

Keep some Answers in Genesis Creation nature books on hand along with freebies from your state's DNR and there's your science program for .... years!