Nature Trails Day Inspires Families at Comlara Park

On September 30, 2023, families gathered at Comlara Park in Hudson for the annual Nature Trails Day, an event organized by the University of Illinois Extension. The day offered a variety of interactive activities aimed at fostering a love of the natural world among children and their families.

Among the attendees was 6-year-old Isla Ready, who marveled at a large fish displayed by volunteers. “We didn’t catch it. They stunned it, and then they caught it, and then they showed us,” she explained, highlighting a key demonstration provided by volunteer Master Naturalists. These volunteers play a significant role in educating young attendees about local wildlife and ecosystems.

The event was well-attended, with families like that of Isla’s enjoying the opportunity to engage with nature directly. Hannah Ready, Isla’s mother, noted, “I feel like we learn more out here than anything we could ever do at a desk.” Tara Augspurger, a friend and fellow attendee, added that their proximity to Comlara Park allows them to experience the changing seasons with their children throughout the year.

Engaging Activities Promote Environmental Awareness

Nature Trails Day featured collaborations with various local organizations, including the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance, Central Illinois Beekeepers Association, and the ParkLands Foundation. According to Darci Webber, the natural resources, energy, and environment educator for the Extension, these partnerships facilitate meaningful experiences that connect families with their natural surroundings.

Activities at the event included youth fishing, guided tours for tree identification, and hands-on learning about soil materials. One highlight was the electrofishing demonstration, where volunteers gently shocked the water to surface fish for educational purposes. “Essentially, they take a boat and gently shock the fish so that they come to the surface,” Webber explained. After being shown to participants, the fish were safely released back into the lake.

Retired educator and Master Naturalist Becky Shafer emphasized the importance of outdoor experiences for children. She noted that many young people today are more comfortable in climate-controlled environments. “Kids can be raised to almost fear being outdoors,” she said. Shafer showcased a jar of water with test strips that represented the soil conditions at Fugate Woods Nature Preserve, home to small-mouthed salamanders, demonstrating the direct link between soil composition and wildlife habitats.

Creating Lasting Connections to Nature

Another Master Naturalist, Tom Niebur, shared insights on how sensory experiences can deepen connections with the environment. He set up a station where children could create stress balls from gloves filled with various soil materials. “They get a sensory experience of the feel of these materials, and it’s actually kind of a way to relax,” he explained. Niebur believes that fostering such connections is vital for environmental preservation.

“Creating that connection means people are more likely to preserve it,” he said. His perspective reflects a broader understanding that human beings have become increasingly distanced from their natural environments. “We’re no longer living in an ecosystem that’s conducive to our own health,” he added.

Webber reiterated the significance of initiatives like Nature Trails Day, stating, “As we all know, kids need to be outside. That is super helpful, super important, just to get their hands in the dirt and enjoy the outdoors.” She emphasized that these experiences are crucial for cultivating a sense of responsibility towards nature conservation. “Once kids get excited about being outdoors, they like to learn about it,” she noted. “That helps our conservation of our natural areas. People don’t know to care about it unless they love it.”

Overall, Nature Trails Day served as an engaging platform for families to rediscover the joys of the natural world, offering valuable lessons and experiences that extend beyond the confines of a classroom. The event not only highlighted the importance of outdoor education but also reinforced the need to nurture a lasting appreciation for the environment in future generations.