Pollinator Party returns to Isle a la Cache with live bats, native plants and family fun

Buzz by the Forest Preserve District’s Pollinator Party on Saturday, June 13, to see bats, birds and more at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville.

The free, all-ages event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Pollinator Party is one of the most interactive and exciting events hosted at Isle a la Cache,” said Jen Guest, the facility supervisor for the museum. “Visitors can become pollinators themselves by taking part in our Pollinator Challenge Course, carrying ‘pollen’ through an inflatable obstacle course to help flowers grow, just like real pollinators do in nature.”

By taking part in activities, visitors will learn about the insects and animals that pollinate plants, including many that provide the food we eat.

Incredible Bats will have live fruit bats and other ambassador animals on display during the event.

“This display will give visitors a rare opportunity to learn about species that play a vital role in ecosystems around the world,” Guest said.

Attendees will learn how to support pollinators at home through insect hotels, pollinator gardens and native plants. To help visitors get started with pollinator-friendly activities, a native plant sale will be held as part of Pollinator Party festivities in partnership with The Nature Foundation of Will County.

“We’re also proud to partner with The Nature Foundation of Will County for our native plant sale, helping guests bring pollinator-friendly habitats into their own backyards,” Guest said.

Visitors can purchase refreshments from Tacos Maui and Kona Ice while taking part in the festivities.

Guest said visitors also can enjoy free make-and-take pollinator crafts and learn about monarch butterflies and bird-friendly coffee. She also encouraged visitors to explore the preserve’s pollinator garden, take part in an insect safari where kids can catch and release bugs, browse an expanded vendor area featuring nature-inspired crafts and local produce, and grab a bite from the food vendors.

“Be sure to step inside the museum to cool off, explore our indoor exhibits and browse expanded pollinator-themed items in the museum gift shop,” she added.

Pollinator Party is designed to provide important information about pollinators in an enticing way, Guest explained.

“Pollinators play an essential role in producing many of the fruits, vegetables and plants we rely on every day,” she said. “Pollinator Party helps people of all ages connect with that important story in a hands-on and memorable way. We want guests to leave Pollinator Party having fun, meeting incredible animals and understanding how even small actions, such as planting native flowers, can help support pollinators in our communities.”