Community, Park Forest

Stories of our Thorn Creek Nature Center Building with Richard Stuenkel on June 12 (Video)


Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 31, 2016.  Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in an historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862.  A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit.

On Sunday, June 12 at 1 p.m. join us for Stories of our Nature Center Building with Richard Stuenkel.  Special guest speaker Richard Stuenkel will share his knowledge and recollections of the Church, and tell stories of the local communities and woodland as they were when he was growing up in the area. Those attending are invited to come with questions.  Then join our naturalist on a hike in the woods at 3 p.m.

Mr. Stuenkel still farms on the land originally owned by his grandfather, and lives in the 130 year-old farmhouse in Monee. Stuenkel Road which runs past Governors State University is named for the train stop Stuenkel’s Crossing, run by one of Richard’s family members. After World War II, he worked for a company that supplied heavy equipment used to build Park Forest.

This presentation is sponsored by the Jim Marzuki Memorial Fund, established by Friends of Thorn Creek Woods to enhance our public programming.  The program is free; call or email to register.  Refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to register for programs, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email [email protected],  www.tcwoods.org or stop in the nature center between noon and 4 p.m. on Friday or Sunday. Please call before you plan to visit the nature center. Three and a half miles of Thorn Creek trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Trail walkers should be aware that our south bridge across Thorn Creek was badly damaged by floods and was removed.  The new north bridge across Thorn Creek is open and all the trails are open.  Walkers should plan their hikes to allow for coming back around the trails to cross at the north bridge only.  There are signs and maps at the trail head and in the nature center.

Source: http://www.ftc.gov

 


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