The inaugural Illinois Young Birders Symposium, sponsored by the Illinois Ornithological Society, is set for Saturday, Aug. 27, at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods.

The event is sponsored by Brushwood Center, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets of Deerfield, and The Field Museum.

Birding is one of the fastest growing pastimes in the world and increasingly includes the participation of young people. Thirty states have birding clubs focused on serving youth, including Illinois Young Birders launched in 2010 by the IOS.

Joel Greenberg, Brushwood Center board member, said young people who are interested in birds often pay a social price for being passionately interested in an activity that is perceived as "nerdy" by their peers. Happily, things are changing.

"With its major social media component, ILYB provides young birders access to friendships and support from all over the country," Greenberg said.

The symposium's keynote speaker will be Josh Engel, ornithologist at the Field Museum.

The heart of the Young Birders program is the monthly field trips that provide opportunities to visit some of the finest natural areas in our region, guided by experts who help them see and learn about birds and bird habitats, Engel said.

A sampling of this past year's trips includes the February "Gull Frolic" at North Point Marina on Lake Michigan, April Woodcock aerial displays at Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie in Glenview, a May Warblers walk in West DuPage Woods Forest Preserves, and the hunt for Bewick's Wren in Siloam Springs State Park in June.

The August symposium will begin with a walk in Ryerson Woods to look for southbound migratory warblers. Afterward, several ILYB members will make presentations about their own experiences in the field, such as leading bird walks at their schools, traveling to birding sites and assisting with research projects.

At the end of the day, many of them will exhibit their bird-related photography and other artwork at Brushwood during a reception for family and friends.

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing art, nature and discovery by offering multiple points of entry for the public to connect with the natural world.

To learn more, visit BrushwoodCenter.Org or call (224) 633-2424.