Did you know research shows that 120 minutes a week in nature leads to better health and overall well-being? Youth, parents, families, and all – Nature Trails Day is back! Volunteers organizing the September event say they are looking forward to welcoming people with lots of activities that encourage everyone to get out and experience nature.
Nature Trails Day is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 18 at Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove. With no event able to happen in 2020, we decided to move from summer to early fall this year. Volunteers from the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program and local community groups organize and sponsor the event.
“We have a great committee and they have planned so many wonderful things to do. We will have guided nature hikes, a trail run in the morning, nature activities from several community partners, and a Master Naturalist booth featuring various resources and educational books for purchase,” shared Terrie Howard, Master Naturalist and Nature Trails Day chairperson.
Other highlights for planning your trip to Sugar Grove include blacksmithing and woodturning demonstrations, bee activities and programs by Miller Park Zoo at 10:30 a.m., and University of Illinois Bat Conservation will hold their program at 1:30 p.m. For the younger youth, there will be a fairy homes activity, animal tracks studies, and much more.
Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove has hosted the event for several years now. Remember to bring your bug spray, sunscreen, hat, and water so you will have a great time on the trails and stay safe. No registration is required and the event is free to the public. Picnic tables are available for public use and vendors will be on site that day with food available for purchase. Restroom facilities will also be available.
Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove is located at 4532 N. 725 E. Road, McLean, IL.
For more information about the Trail Run or to view the full schedule of events to plan your day, visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW. Contact the Extension office at 309-663-8306. Stay in the loop and stay current on weather and event updates by finding us on Facebook at Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists or Sugar Grove Nature Center. This event will operate in accordance to current and ongoing University of Illinois, Center for Disease Control, and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. For questions or if you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please contact us at the Extension office above. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Experience nature how our pollinators and wildlife see it at Nature Trails Day on September 18 at Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove. (University of Illinois Extension)
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