April 2021 Senior Newsletter

ORLAND PARK NATURE CENTER

33

YEARS

The Village of Orland Park has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day foundation for its commitment to community forest management. This is the 33rd year that Orland Park has been honored with this national recognition.

Apr 24 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM This program will be essential to anyone wanting to start or expand their prairie plantings at home. Program to include strategy & design ideas from Midewin National Tallgrass Plant Your Own Patch of Prairie at Home Prairie staff, Landscape Architect, Horticulturist, Botanist, and Public Affairs Officer and Public Services Team Leader Veronica Hinke.

Bison, People and the Prairie

Orland Park Nature Center 13951 S. LaGrange Rd. Orland Park, IL 60462

May 28 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM We tend to think of the northeastern Illinois prairie as a rich landscape where Native Americans settled and bison roamed freely. Once Euro- American settlers arrived, bringing with them a variety of tools, practices, and beliefs, what was once untrammeled land changed. Join Midewin Archaeologist, Heritage Program Manager, and Tribal Liason Joe Wheeler as he talks about what science and recent research has taught us about the narrative we have grown to know, ourselves, and the land where we live.

Orland Park Nature Center is a two-acre site for visitors to escape the suburban roadways to meet the sounds of local wildlife. Ornithophiles can enjoy a dedicated bird watching station, complete with binoculars overlooking the adjacent wetlands. Spiraling around the center, a crushed limestone trail guides visitors through native gardens featuring savannah shade trees, prairie grasses, and wetland plants. The shaded picnic areas casts shadows from custom leaf patterns cut in the canopies. Nestled in the middle of the rehabilitated land are a central plaza, amphitheater, and outdoor classroom space.

PROGRAM 90586 Resident Fee: $10

Do I need to sign up for these classes?

Yes, registration is required. Please visit page 31 in this publication for more info on how to sign up.

PROGRAM 90587 Resident Fee: $10

ORLAND PARK SENIORS | 5

orlandpark.org