Get out and take a walk on Saturday of Mother's Day weekend.  Two local botany enthusiasts, Karen Matz and Brian Hale, will talk about all that is blooming. They will identify a variety of beautiful wildflowers. Visitors will want to be sure to dress for the weather. This will be a great activity if you have guests from out of town. Walks leave every hour starting at 10 am and the last walk leaves at 1 pm. The NREC will be open for people to explore the exhibits until 2 pm.

“Visitors often ask us to come outside and help them identify one of the many beautiful spring wildflowers in the forest preserve,” says Peggy Anesi, University of Illinois Extension Educator. “Spring is crucial for these delicate plants. Spring wildflowers grow in wooded areas and emerge early to capture sunlight and make food for themselves. If the plants wait too long, the shade of the trees blocks the precious light they need.”