By John Walker
Special to Inside
On Saturday, June 14, approximately 45 children and their families enjoyed an unforgettable weekend of adventure, exploration and environmental education in the city's Jackson and River parks. Nature Oasis originally was launched in the summer of 2001 with seasonal, nature-based family activities. Today, children and their families can meet live fruit bats, save seeds from prairie plants, tell stories by a campfire, prowl for owls, build bird houses and fly Japanese kites—all based out of four local parks.
Last weekend, families at Jackson and River parks enjoyed the first-ever stroller strut event and third urban canoeing trip. At River Park , older children and their families enjoyed the singular experience of discovering endangered species while navigating the waters in an urban canoe trip. On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Nature Oasis series will offer another water adventure for more experienced canoeists.
On June 14 at Jackson Park, mothers, fathers and grandparents with toddlers ranging from 5 weeks to 3-years-old strolled through the park's Osaka Garden and Wooded Island on a tour led by Doug Anderson, a volunteer nature guide. Families explored historic havens for birds and ducks, discovered a 270-year-old Burr Oak tree and identified spring blooms in the first of four scheduled Stroller Struts.
The Nature Oasis programs currently are based out of Gompers, Humboldt, Jackson and Washington parks. For more information, please contact the Chicago Park District at (312) 742-PLAY, or visit them online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
|
