Meet raptors, bison and more at Fermilab

It is a rare opportunity to see hawks and falcons up close, to go to a pond and catch several different insects with the right equipment and to see live bison roam a field.

On Sunday, June 12, Fermilab invites visitors of all ages to experience these activities — for free — at the Family Outdoor Fair from 1-4 p.m.

“We find that a lot of kids nowadays don’t get outside like back in the older days,” docent Sue Dumford said. “We have a lot of activities for kids to get down and dirty if they really want to; it’s for their enjoyment. ”

This is the fourth straight year for the fair. In years past, it attracted about 300-400 people, but Dumford said they would really like to have around 500. She said the fair is completely dependent on weather, which can affect the numbers. It will, however, take place, rain or shine.

Participants will have the chance to try a variety of activities, most of them provided by Fermilab.

One outside contributor is the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center that rescues wounded hawks, falcons and other raptors. Handlers bring these animals, trained, to let the children see them in real life and learn about them. The Raptor Rehabilitation group has attended the fair for the past three years.

“Kids get to see their wing span, the size of them and how much they really weigh, it’s a real education experience,” Dumford said. “Adults really like this one too. It draws both groups; they are just awed by the animals. ”

The fair has activities that are more hands-on as well, such as netting in the pond and in the prairie fields. This allows kids to catch insects themselves and examine them. It also teaches them what sort of creatures live in certain habitats.

Attendees will also get to compare themselves to a bison — one of the things Fermilab is known for. Children can see if they run as fast or weigh as much as a baby bison. Then they will have the chance to see the real bison in a regulated field.

Dumford said the most popular activity is the netting in the pond. Children will most likely catch tadpoles and insects, which draws the kids to this activity.

“They don’t ever have an opportunity to do anything like that at home,” Dumford said. “They don’t have the equipment to do it. It’s great cause ponds are pretty lively ... and a lot of stuff is living in them and kids get excited to see what they can catch.”

The fair is put on by the Fermilab Education office where they plan field trips for students of all ages — even college. They also set up workshops for teachers and have lectures on science and have science adventures.

Their main concern is educating students on science.

For information call (630)-840-5588 or visit ed.fnal.gov/events/outdoor-fair.