Support Local Business (and Local Birds, Too!)
Your support of our locally-owned business (and the local birds) hasn't gone unnoticed. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Every time you shop with us, whether in-person or online, you can rest assured that you're getting the right bird foods and feeders specifically for the birds in our area. We're proud to provide expert advice to help you bring the joy of bird feeding into your backyard.
Store Events
In-Store Presentation: Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat- Certify Your Yard
Saturday, May 4th 11AM
Creating a refuge in your own backyard will improve the lives of birds and other wildlife. But did you know, it is also a fun and rewarding activity for your family too! During this presentation, participants will learn what elements your wildlife habitat should include, healthy habits for sustainability, and why you should certify your yard! No registration is required. Seating will be limited. Call store for questions or more info: 815-744-3800
Two Trees Woodshop Pop-Up Shop
Saturday, May 4th 11AM-2PM
Looking for your next bird house? Consider checking out the hand made bird houses and robin roosts from Two Trees Woodshop. These houses are hand crafted by local11 yr old nature enthusiast, Sam. He started building and selling bird houses as a way to earn extra money when not in school or doing sports. Help support this young entrepreneur and bird lover. Styles vary, but all houses have the necessary features of a functional bird house.
WBU Bird Walk
Monday, May 6th 9AM @ Rock Run Preserve- Black Rd Access
Come join us for a bird walk in a local preserve! We will be on the look out for local resident, spring/summer visitors, waterfowl and more! Meet us in the parking circle where we will have a quick class on how to use optics. This walk is rain or shine. It is recommended to dress for the weather, wear walking shoes, and to bring your own optics. Don't have any optics? Consider checking out the optics at WBU Joliet, we have a variety of styles to choose from. No registration required. All are welcome! For questions, call the store (815-744-3800)
Build Your Own Wren Bird House Activity
Saturday, May 18th Sessions: 11AM & 1PM (*Must Register By May 15th*)
Help nesting bird families this spring by building your own wren bird house at WBU Joliet. Sessions are at 11AM & 1PM- Cost is $10 per bird house. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies and tools will be provided. Must register in advance by May 15th. SPOTS ARE LIMITED! Call store to register (815-744-3800)
Homegrown Health Farms Pop-Up Shop
Sunday, May 19th 1PM-3PM
Support this local family owned and operated micro-greens farm during their pop-up shop at WBU Joliet. Located in Oswego, Home Grown Health Farms believes in the importance of localizing the food supply chain, and offering the community a local source of produce grown with organic methods. Growing fresh produce year-round allows them to offer a continuous source of local greens, even in winter! They hope to help you enjoy a journey into a healthier, more connected diet with Homegrown Health Farms micro-greens.
Wings & Talons with Live Birds of Prey
Saturday, May 25th 11AM-2PM
Wings & Talons is returning to WBU Joliet to share their educational ambassador birds. This time we will have a vulture, hawk, and owl. Learn all about birds of prey during this awesome educational experience. Guests will have the opportunity to see these birds up close and ask questions directly to the Wings & Talons team. WBU Joliet will be collecting donations the day of the event for Wings & Talons, learn more about their amazing organization HERE!
Find us Out at One of These Local Events
Will County Audubon Events:
May Meeting & Program - May 9th Doors Open: 6:30PM - Buisness Meeting: 6:45PM- Program: 7:00PM (Pilcher Park Nature Center or via Zoom)
The Red-Tailed Hawk Priject: A research collaboration focused on the ecology and evolution of a common and beloved raptor. Bryce W. Robinson is a PhD candidate at Cornell University and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where his research focuses on the evolution of diveristy in the Red-Tailed Hawk. In this presentation, Bryce will outline the work of the Red-tailed Hawk Project, including the goals of the working group and their approach to data collection. He will also share preliminary results including the project's extensive tracking efforts to better understand movement in migratory populations and phylogenomic work to understand the evolutionary relationships between the plumage diveristy of all sixteen subspeices.
May Field Trip: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Chicago - Friday, May 10th
During this exciting field trip, participants can expect to see upwards of 40 different species of warblers, gulls, shorebirds, water fowl, sparrows, thrushes, and more! Participants will need to secure their own transportation. Meet at the main entrance to the "Magic Hedge" on West Montrose Harbor Drive at 9AM. Possible early sunrise photo opportunity on Montrose Beach. Leader: Kara Morales ([email protected]) For more info click HERE
The Nature Foundation of Will County Events:
Online Native Plant Sale: Bringing Nature Home Native Plant Sale
Saturday April 6th (9AM) thru Saturday April 27th (4PM) - Pick-up online orders on May 18 (9am-2pm) or May 19 (9am-12noon). Learn More HERE!
In-Person Native Plant Sale: Bringing Nature Home Native Plant Sale
Saturday May 18th (9AM-2PM) and Sunday May 19th (9AM-12Noon). Learn More HERE!
Forest Preserve District of Will County Events:
"Fuddles" Screening and Q&A with Director Bob Dolgan
May 3rd 6PM-9PM at Four Rivers Environmental Center, Channahon
Four Rivers will be hosting a screening of "Fuddles" a documentary highlighting the importance of large temporary puddles providing habitat for many birds. Film creator, Bob Dolgan will introduce the film and host a Q & A afterward. Dolgan, founder of Turnstone Strategies, has created the previous documentaries "Monty and Rose" and "The Magic Stump". (Learn more about these films at Turnstoneimpact.com). Visit Four Rivers for the "Fuddle" film, light refreshments, and a chance to engage with local bird organizations. This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals with all abilities.
2024 Take It Outside Challenge
Complete nature-themed missions ranging from GPS check-ins at various locations, photos of nature scenes and wildlife, selfies and trivia questions during this year long Will County Forest Preserve District program. Complete seasonal challenged to win prizes from forest preserve merch, mastercard gift cards ($50-$250), and bird feeding prize packs. Participants should download the Goosechase smartphone app from the App Store or Google Play. Each Sunday, during the challenges, 10 missions will be released and participants will complete challenges to earn points and prizes. Search for each seasonal challenge by name, or enter the join codes listed below. Point totals will be listed on a leaderboard in the app so you can see how you and others are doing in the competition. For more info click HERE!
Spring Fling: Sunday, April 14th - Saturday, June 15th (Join Code: V813P4)
Summer Soiree: Sunday, June 30th - Saturday, Sept. 21st (Join Code: BD13J5)
Fall Frolic: Sunday, Oct. 6th - Saturday, Dec. 14th (Join Code: ED7MGP)
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Guest Speaker Opportunites
* Make WBU Joliet your next guest speaker!- It's Free- We can come to your event!*
WBU Joliet LOVES sharing their passion and educating the community on the hobby of bird feeding and the natural world around us. Not only do we offer monthly in-store presentations but we also enjoy offering educational programs for our community- FOR FREE! We have enjoyed speaking and presenting for local clubs, organizations, church groups, retirement communities and groups- and more!
Do you need a speaker for your next event? Consider booking WBU Joliet! Contact store owner Ellen Green: [email protected] or call 815-744-3800