Instructor: Mitchell Goodknecht

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Courses by this instructor


Native Wildlife Species of IL & the Midwest

Kankakee County may be covered in endless "seas" of soybeans & corn, but it wasn't always this way! Learn about the wonderful biodiversity of wildlife that exists right within our backyards and communities! Learn about the lush habitats that once existed in our region-including the "Forgotten Five" megafaunal mammals that we have lost here in the Midwest over the last century, and how some of those species have been reintroduced in secured habitats or can be seen at nearby sanctuary settings. Discover some of the magnificent extinct animals of the past that once roamed the Midwest, when glaciers over a mile high consumed the landscape thousands of years ago! This demo features ethically collected specimens & replicas (including fossil replicas).
Monday, March 30, 2026, WDC*D123

Paleontology & Natural History

Travel back in time on a thrilling journey through Earth's 4.6-billion-year story! Explore the ancient world of paleontology and uncover how shifting climates, evolving environments, and powerful extinction events shaped life on our planet. Discover why the mighty dinosaurs and their giant neighbors couldn't survive the KPG extinction 66 million years ago, and get an up-close look at fossil replicas of awe-inspiring creatures like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. This hands-on demo brings prehistory to life with real fossils, ethically collected specimens, and modern-day comparisons-revealing how the secrets of the past can help protect the future of Earth's wildlife and habitats.
Monday, February 23, 2026, WDC*D123