Dragonflies and damselflies have been around about 300-million-years -- long before dinosaurs.
The small, colorful creatures are a big presence among northern Illinois wildlife.
The Winnebago County Forest Preserves is holding a workshop where experts will share knowledge about these insects.
Jamie Johannsen, with the Forest Preserves, says people don’t need to be well-versed in environmental science to participate.
“Whether it’s just like, ‘Oh my gosh, I kind of forgot we have 42 forest preserves, or I never really thought about the difference between dragonflies and damselflies. I’m going to start paying attention and I’m going to watch, and I’m going to see how many I can find just for fun,’” Johannsen said.
She says residents can make a difference for wildlife creatures outside of the forest preserves.
“Try to avoid using chemicals," she said. "Pesticides, even fertilizers, wash into the soil and into the rivers and have a tremendous impact on the fish, turtles, frogs, insects, which depend on these water habitats.”
Johannsen says today is the last day for people to register for the free workshop, which takes place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.