Plenty of outdoor education opportunities

The trees are starting to bloom, and the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are eager to be back in nature, enjoying the warm weather again and sharing knowledge about the great outdoors.

This summer, Master Naturalists are continuing to expand their partnership with COMLARA Park by offering various outdoor education programs in the coming months.

The first event is the Spring Bird Walk on May 3. Spring is a wonderful time to look for birds, especially colorful warblers that may pass through during migration. We will meet at the Osage Picnic Shelter and then head out on a walk from 8 to 9:30 AM as we practice bird identification and see how many different species we can find together.

Then, May 6 kicks off Trail Tuesdays at COMLARA. On the first Tuesday of the month, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, Master Naturalists will lead a walk and explore a variety of topics. From spring flowers to insects, fungi, and prairie plants, there are many trails and natural beauties to explore at COMLARA! These Trail Tuesdays will run from May through August. Be sure to sign up and check the registration for details about the trail locations and the topic for each month.

Wellness in Nature is also coming up on May 31 from 9 to 11 AM. This immersive experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage all five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Whether you are looking to de-stress, reconnect with nature, or simply enjoy a mindful morning outdoors, this walk will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

All of these free events are family-friendly and open to all ages! We look forward to exploring COMLARA Park and spending time outdoors together. To learn more and register for these events, please visit extension.illinois.edu/lmw/events. If you have any questions or need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Darci Webber at dlwebber@illinois.edu or call our office at 309-663-8306.