America’s 250th anniversary is the perfect excuse to pay close attention to the colors that surround you when taking in nature when you’re visiting the Forest Preserves of Cook County. This summer, turn your visit into a Red, White and Blue Scavenger Hunt and see how many patriotic plants and animals you can find! Here’s some ideas to get started.

Red

Look closely and you may spot the bright wings of a northern cardinal, one of the most recognizable birds in Illinois.

In summer prairies, the striking petals of cardinal flower stand tall and attract hummingbirds with their deep crimson blooms.

Another prairie standout is fire pink, a vibrant native wildflower whose fiery red petals seem to glow against green grasses.

White

Keep an eye out for starry campion, a delicate wildflower with crisp white petals that form a star shape through forests and along woodland edges.

In sunny prairies, wild quinine forms clusters of small white blossoms that resemble tiny buttons and provide an important nectar source for pollinators.

If you are lucky, you might spot the graceful great egret wading through wetlands with its snowy feathers a standout in the marsh.

Blue

Prairie patches often sparkle with blue wild indigo, a native plant whose rich blue flowers feed pollinators.

In open areas and woodlands, the cheerful eastern bluebird flashes its brilliant blue back as it darts after insects.

Near ponds or slow streams, keep an eye out for the blue dasher dragonfly, a tiny streak of blue that zips through the summer air.

Bring the kids, challenge your friends or make it a solo adventure. With a little patience and curiosity, the Forest Preserves is full of red, white and blue surprises waiting to be discovered.