BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A family day outside filled with guided hikes and hands-on activities for kids and adults, what could be better? Nature Trails Day is right around the corner, and now is the time to register and select what activities your family wants to explore! Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists, this annual community celebration takes place on Saturday, September 20, from 9 AM to 1 PM at COMLARA Park.
Master Naturalist Ann Lamkey shares, “Nature Trails Day is a chance for families to unplug, relax, talk, and enjoy each other and nature.” And this year, it’s even better—registered participants will receive a complimentary hiking courtesy of COMLARA Park, filled with useful hiking supplies and resources to enhance your outdoor experience. We are looking forward to the variety of sessions offered, including:
- Youth Fishing—kids can learn how to fish with an accompanying adult.
- Trek & Sketch—engage in nature journaling after a short walk, looking at nature around you.
- Tree & Habitat Hike—learn tips of tree identification and how local wildlife call trees home.
- Trailside Explorers—family-friendly, self-paced hike with stations to learn outdoor skills.
- Hands-On Nature Fun—interactive activity stations on a variety of environmental topics.
- And more!
With your choice of sessions, you can pick what interests you most! Nature Trails Day is open to all ages, all abilities, and costs only $5 per family or group registration. We will start the day at the Osage Shelter at 9 AM and have various activities until 1 PM. Please bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray as needed. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and continue to enjoy the outdoors after the conclusion of Session 3.
Registration is open! You can learn more and register for Nature Trails Day at go.illinois.edu/lmw/events. If you have any questions or need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alison Meanor at ameanor@illinois.edu or call our office at 309-663-8306.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.