Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 23, 2013. Nestled within Thorn Creek Nature Preserve is the historic Hornicek Farm where chickens roam freely and garlic grows by the thousands. Join us for the Historic Farm Walk on Sunday, June 2 from 1-3 p.m. This fun program is for all ages and will take you on a walk through time as you wander the gardens and collect eggs from the hens. Participants will meet at Thorn Creek Nature Center and caravan to the farm. Registration is required by Friday, May 31, so be sure to sign up now: 708-747-6320.
Come help on Prairie Sampler Project Day, Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. The prairie sampler in front of nature center that the late Jim Marzuki nurtured, needs your help with weeding, trimming out woody plants, then planting and watering the newly acquired plants. Bring gloves, hand clippers, trowels for planting, kneelers if you like and dress for the weather. Refreshments provided. Call the nature center to sign up: 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offering monthly fun-filled nature activities for young people age 9 -12 has its next meeting Saturday, June 8 from noon to 3 p.m. to explore the creek. Out on the trail they will walk the creek and make observations and take measurements of all kinds. They’ll find how animals and plants use the creek. Macro invertebrates like water striders, sow bugs, mayfly and dragonfly nymphs can be collected and identified on site and back at the science corner in the nature center.
Young people should be prepared to get a muddy, wear boots 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, June 6.
Come to an open house benefit at Thorn Creek Nature Center featuring local artist Marikay Peter Witlock and musicians Patricia Caldwell and Jerry Santoni. At Visions and Voices, Sunday afternoon June 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. you can meet the artist who was inspired by our Nature Center to create “Prairie Chapel” an original graphic drawing featuring the iconic 1860’s church. Signed numbered prints are available with a donation of $75 or more. Songs of inspiration and humor by Patricia Caldwell will be featured. Hammered dulcimer musician Jerry Santoni will evoke memories of long-ago with his poignant melodies. There will be refreshments and a silent auction. Proceeds of sales of “Prairie Chapel” prints and donations will benefit the Nature Preserve. Admission is $5. Call the Nature Center for additional program details: 708-747-6320.
Let the magic of “lightning bugs” entrance you on a summer night adventure Friday, June 28 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Fireflies or lightening bugs, no matter what you call them, their flashing light seen throughout the night heralds the official arrival of summer. Join our naturalist on this popular night hike and discover why fireflies flash back and forth to each other and what it all means. Participants should be prepared to walk over 1 mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Fireflies Night Hike is a free program for all ages. Registration required by Wednesday, June 25: 708.747.6320
Sign up for Women of the Woods: a Nature Retreat on Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the beauty of the summer solstice woods in this program for women only! Discover the naturalist in you as you explore the woods, observing birds and insects, identifying trees & flowers, following tracks and much more. This retreat is held indoors and outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Cost is $5 per person and registration is required by Thursday, June 27: 708-747-6320.
Wednesday Morning Walkers enjoy an early morning walk each week. Meander through Thorn Creek Woods and watch summer arrive! Wednesday Morning Walkers meet every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and is for adults. No registration is required.
Thorn Creek Nature Center is open Friday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. and three and a half miles of trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Trail walkers should be aware that our south bridge across Thorn Creek was badly damaged by the April storms. The bridge is closed; it is unsafe to use. 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. Stop out and visit us at 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, [email protected].
