Community, Park Forest

Nature Programs for Groups at Thorn Creek Nature Center Are Sponsored By Thorn Creek Audubon Society


 Children discover trees- their leaves and bark and seeds

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 31, 2016. Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods.

These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults.

Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes.

On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm.

Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like.

Part of our mission is to provide environmental education,” said TCAS President Al Thomas. “The Thorn Creek Nature Center has a building, two excellent trained naturalists, and of course the 850-plus acre Thorn Creek Woods. We don’t have either a building or naturalists. I think one of the best ways we can fulfill our own education mission is to help the Nature Center provide even more programs.”

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with the Thorn Creek Audubon Society in this new direction,” said Judy Mendelson, Chair of Thorn Creek Woods Management Commission. “This is enhancing the long-standing support and interest we have received from Thorn Creek Audubon since the 1960s.”

The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March.

TCAS members will assist with the programs and the Society’s education committee, Karen Blackful and Michelle O’Connor, will meet regularly with Nature Center personnel. “By combining our expertise and our resources we can provide more and better programs for both young people and adults,” said O’Connor.

For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.

Minimum group size for all Nature Education programs is ten with a maximum of 20. Larger groups may be accommodated based on staff availability. Registration is required and all programs require a minimum of four week notice. When you call to register be sure to have three dates in mind in case your first choice isn’t available.

The cost for a group of 1-10 is $25, group of 11-20 is $50, and group of 21-30 is $75. Additional fees for materials may apply for some programs.

Programs are typically 1 to 1.5 hours in length, including trail hikes. Nature Center tours are available but will require additional time.

These Nature Education Programs plan for groups to experience Thorn Creek Nature Preserve firsthand. Participants should dress for outdoor weather and natural terrain trails.

To register for a program or to receive a copy of the Nature Education Program Brochure, please contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, at 708-747-6320 or [email protected]. Visit our website www.tcwoods.org.

Source: www.tcwoods.org

 


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