Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 27, 2014. Spend some time in Thorn Creek Woods and you will notice little patches of color making its way into the brown and gray woodland. Spring beauties are poking their little white and pink heads out, the greens of the wild leeks and onions are becoming more and more visible in the floodplains and the leaf buds are looking forward to opening as warm weather becomes a reality. The woodland has also become louder as the days get longer. Chorus frogs will be singing their little hearts out, birds are voicing their opinions during territorial disputes and the sounds of hikers echo through the trees.
Bring the family out and enjoy 3 ½ miles of trails through Thorn Creek Nature Preserve and then top your day off by exploring Thorn Creek Nature Center. The nature center offers a bird viewing window, children’s science corner, exhibits for children and adults, and our Eugene Schwartz Memorial Library packed with books on local history and nature. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and the nature center is open Friday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Thorn Creek Nature Center is located at 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, 708-747-6320 and [email protected]. Visit our new website at www.tcwoods.org.
Discover the wonders of spring in a weekly morning walk. Wednesday Morning Walkers meets every Wednesday and is free for ages 13 years to adult. In April the group will walk 7:30-9 a.m. on most Wednesdays, however on Wednesday, April 9 the Walkers will meet at 9 a.m. Walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike.
Calling all young people age 9 to 12! Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offers fun-filled nature activities each month for young people. They will explore the woods, track seasonal changes and discover woodland plants and animals. JEC will meet Saturday, April 12 from noon to 3 p.m. Registration is required by Thursday, April 10.
Travel off-trail with a naturalist and discover the hidden ponds of Thorn Creek Woods on our Hidden Ponds Hike, Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. Experience the wetlands and learn how they are an integral part of the Thorn Creek ecosystem. The hike is free and for those age 10 years and up. Registration is required by Friday, April 11.
This year celebrate soil at EARTH UNDERFOOT: EARTH DAY AT THORN CREEK WOODS on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
What is soil anyway? Soil is more than just dirt and it is always forming. Join us for a presentation on what makes up soil and how soil is formed. Then we’ll hike the trails to understand the story told by the layers of soil here in Thorn Creek Woods.
Come view the life sized dioramas from The Field Museum depicting life underground. Refresh yourself with a Soil Sundae that you build yourself. See how it is a reflection of the living organism that is soil. There will be lots of fun for everyone including refreshments, activities, a hike and the start of our Spring Raffle.
For more information, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, at 708-747-6320 or [email protected].
Source: Thorn Creek Nature Center
