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July 2014 Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center Announced


Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 24, 2014. Looking for something to do with the kids this summer?   Come visit Thorn Creek Nature Center and take a hike in Thorn Creek Woods.   Thorn Creek Nature Center has several exhibits, including a children’s fossil find, mammal and amphibian displays, bird viewing window and much more!   Thorn Creek Woods allows hikers to view wildlife such as deer and their fawns over three and a half miles of trails.  Pack a picnic lunch and come on out for a day of free fun!  Thorn Creek Nature Center, located at 247 Monee Road, Park Forest is open Friday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. and the trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.  Nature Center will be closed Friday, July 4th.

Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offering monthly fun-filled nature activities for young people age 9 -12 has its next meeting Saturday, July 12 from noon to 3 p.m.   Each month they will explore the woods, track seasonal changes and discover woodland plants and animals.

Young people should be prepared to get muddy, wear boots, no open toed shoes and long pants, and bring a water bottle and insect repellent.  Participants should be able to walk approximately 2 miles outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven and possibly wet and/or muddy terrain. Junior Ecologists Club is a free program and registration is required by Thursday, July 10.

Hiking, stream-stomping and bug catching are a few of the key ingredients that make summer exploration camp a great way to learn and have fun!  Our three-day Summer Safari: Adventures in Thorn Creek! offers children ages 8-10 years old  the opportunity to explore nature and learn about the critters that live along and in Thorn Creek. Through nature study and investigation, games, crafts, hikes and more, children will be guided in hands-on exploration and discovery of our natural waterway.          

Children should bring a lunch and a water bottle, and wear play clothes: long pants, a light, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and sturdy shoes for exploring (not open toed shoes).  Insect repellent and sun block are also highly encouraged.  Snacks will be provided. Participants should be prepared to walk 2 mile on natural surface trails across uneven terrain.  Summer Safari is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 22-24, 9 a.m.-noon.  Cost is $35 per child.  Registration and payment required by Monday, July 14.        

Get down and dirty and help Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Service care for our Prairie Sampler every third Monday from May through September. Prairie Sampler Work Day will be Monday, July 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and registration is required by Saturday, July 18. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, kneelers if you like.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday Morning Walkers enjoy a morning walk with a naturalist on a weekly basis each Wednesday 9 – 10:30 a.m.  Meander through Thorn Creek Woods and watch the forest’s summer changes unfold.  Registration is required two days before your first walk; call or email the nature center.   Walkers age 13 through adult are invited.

Stop out and visit us at 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, [email protected].  And visit our new website at www.tcwoods.org.  

Source: Thorn Creek Nature Center

 


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