Spring 2000

With easily navigable trails, this is a perfect spot to teach children about favorite and familiar plants of the prairie

Lake County, Illinois

A child's curiosity is momentarily quenched with a visit to Heller Nature Center in Highland Park. This 100-acre preserve owned by the Park District of Highland Park offers many lessons and adventures for the young of all ages. The preserve is easy to navigate. The two-and-a-half miles of trails are clearly marked and color-coded so visitors can refer to maps in order to choose which section of the preserve they wish to explore. These trails lead Heller visitors through an ever-changing landscape.

The journey begins at the nature center's main building where educational literature about creatures and activities is found. Beautiful photographs and artwork of native flora and fauna adorn the walls. Friendly naturalists are present to answer any questions.

Most of the preserve is comprised of deciduous oak-dominated woodland. In spring the forest floor is dotted with colorful woodland wildflowers, such as trout lily, Dutchman's breeches, May apple, wood anemone, Solomon's seal, white trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and toothwort. Visitors can also hope to spot red-shouldered and Cooper's hawks.

The section of Heller devoted to the prairie is, as prairies often are, a bright and swaying wonder. This is a perfect spot to teach kids about favorite and familiar plants of the prairie, including rattlesnake master, prairie dock, big and little bluestem, purple coneflower, compass plant, and blazing star.

Another fascinating and educational spot at Heller is the small pond. The pond's aeration system that provides essential oxygen is powered with solar energy, collected by solar panels on the roof of the small overlook to the wetland area. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids how high levels of oxygen keep wetlands healthy. Additionally, it demonstrates a practical alternative to fossil fuels. A sign posted at the overlook explains the innovative system and its benefits.

Let your childlike curiosity get the best of you! Head out to Heller and take part in one of their many educational programs for all ages, or just explore!

— Amelia Taylor