Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Thirty years ago, in June of 1978, Thorn Creek Nature Preserve was formally dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. This dedication marked the end of years of struggle to protect this piece of land from development. 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of Thorn Creek Nature Preserve – join us in celebrating the past, present and future! Watch for special events on April 20th (Earth Day: Unearth the Forest Floor), June 7th (Celebrate History: Walk for the Future) and June 8th (Historic Farm Walk)
A special anniversary exhibit Woodland Expressions of Thorn Creek Woods will be on display at the nature center throughout our anniversary year to commemorate the woods from the very beginning to the present. Perhaps you have a photo that you took while hiking through the woods, or a sketch that was inspired by your experience in Thorn Creek Woods. Or, perhaps your creativity is apparent in your poems and essays. Woodland Expressions of Thorn Creek Woods is about what inspires YOU.
Please send us your photos, drawings, poems, songs, paintings, essays and memories of Thorn Creek Woods. Keep in mind that you do not have to be a professional artist to have your work displayed! All submissions should be matted, framed or otherwise prepared for hanging so that they can easily be displayed.
Part of our fall programming will include a presentation entitled Thorn Creek Recollections. This program will surely inspire you as we remember the times and people who began the historic grassroots struggle to preserve Thorn Creek Woods. Do you remember the rallies and protests? How about the marches on Springfield? Maybe you remember the lawsuits and the endless envelope stuffing? If you were part of the struggle to save Thorn Creek Woods or present at the dedication, we would love to hear from you! If you have personal stories of your own or your family’s involvement, please send them to Thorn Creek Nature Center. Photos, home movies and other memorabilia would be especially treasured (and returned after duplication).
Send or bring your items for Expressions & Recollections to Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, IL 60466, 708-747-6320. Email and jpegs may be sent to: [email protected] (please include “anniversary” in the subject line) Deadline for submission is: Saturday, May 17th. All submissions will be returned at the end of our celebrations. Please call with any questions.
