Care to learn more about Lincoln Park’s history? Or Prairie style landscapes? Or local plant life and wildlife?
This is your opportunity to do all of the above. The Chicago Park District and Lincoln Park Conservancy (formerly Friends of Lincoln Park) offer free interpretive tours of the recently restored Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Located at the corner of Fullerton and Cannon Drive (formerly known as the Zoo Rookery), this is one of Chicago’s premier Prairie Style landscapes designed by Alfred Caldwell in the late 1930’s.
Every Saturday morning, now through September, visitors can walk through the Lily Pool with a specially trained volunteer docent. Tours touch on everything from Alfred Caldwell’s design philosophies to the array of native wildflowers that are currently in bloom. Tours are free and are offered from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and the last Thursday of every month. Tours begin at the Fullerton Gate on the hour and half-hour. (Docents will not be available on Aug. 30.)
Groups interested in learning about the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool are also encouraged to call ahead to schedule a tour. Group tours can be scheduled at the organization’s convenience based on docent availability. Content can be customized to your area of interest. To schedule a group tour, please call the Lincoln Park Conservancy at (773) 883-7275.
Volunteer docents were recruited earlier this year and received six weeks of comprehensive training from area experts on the art of interpretation; Alfred Caldwell’s design career; Prairie Style landscape architecture; native grasses, wildflowers, bird and other wild animals. The volunteers also met with community leaders who made the award-winning restoration project possible. One volunteer considered this opportunity “the chance of a lifetime.” She has enjoyed being involved with fellow community members and visitors, and becoming an expert on one of Chicago’s most remarkable places.
The Lily Pool is now open for visitors Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather permitting, the site will remain open until early November.
Call Lincoln Park Conservancy at (773) 883-7275 for more information.
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