Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Spring is on its way – why not come out and hike through Thorn Creek Woods and stop in and visit the nature center? Nestled at the beginning of a three and half mile trail system that meanders through Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, the nature center resides in a small white wooden church building built in the1860’s and houses several displays for both adults and children.
Stop in and visit our displays all about birds. Find out how to identify birds. Learn about different kinds of bird feeders and which kinds of feed each kind of bird prefers. Also visit our tracks exhibit to help you figure out the owner of the footprints in the mud.
At nearly 1000 acres, Thorn Creek Nature Preserve is home to majestic oaks, hickory trees, white-tailed deer, owls, woodpeckers and much more. Trails are quite muddy this time of year and the woods are still cool, so be sure to dress for the weather and wear boots.
Join us for our Build a Birdhouse Workshop on Sunday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. and discover how to create a welcoming nesting space for wrens and other cavity nesters in your own backyard. You will build a birdhouse from wood, and once spring arrives, you can watch the wrens find their way to your birdhouse. The workshop is for ages 10 years-adult; cost is $10 per birdhouse, limit one per person. All materials will be provided; bring a hammer and a phillips screwdriver. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest at 708-747-6320.
As spring begins come celebrate the woods with an equinox serenade, the annual Woods Music benefit at Thorn Creek Woods on Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. Cellist Ingrid Krizan and string bassist Julian Pat Romane will treat you to a pastiche of chamber music featuring “Bach and I” to celebrate the equinox and gamba duos. Also included will be works of Shostakovich, Praetorius and transcriptions of traditional Chinese folk-songs. The sound of the Bass viola da gamba is sweet and shimmering, with a timbre well suited to the wood floored acoustic of Thorn Creek Nature Center.
All proceeds will directly benefit Thorn Creek Woods and Nature Center.
Woods Music tickets are on sale now! Cost is $10 in advance for adults. Seating is limited and it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.
For more information, please call Thorn Creek Nature Center at 708-747-6320. The nature center is open Friday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. and trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Stop out and visit us at 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, 708-747-6320.
