Severson Dells Nature Center has provided nature education to people of all ages in northern Illinois for nearly 45 years.
Ann Wasser is the director at Severson Dells. She said the hands-on nature of their education programs helps people learn the process of science.
"They understand what it means to have a hypothesis and test the hypothesis," she said. "It means you have a science-literate public. They understand their role in the environment. They understand the ecosystem services that our natural areas provide and why that's important."
Wasser referred to the Dells as a great learning laboratory.
"It lets people see and hear the frogs," she said, "and learn about the owls, and explore the creek, and understand some of the animals and plants that live there."
Wasser said the funding for the center's education programs was impacted heavily this year because of COVID-19. That's one reason Wasser is encouraging the public to participate in the Hike, Bike & Paddle fundraiser which begins June 15 and will wrap up on Labor Day. To register, click here.
As always, the trails are free to roam and Severson Dells offers a variety of free programs like Readings from the Rookery. Wasser said, "It's a family program that happens in the summer on Friday mornings and we would love to have more adults and either their children or grandchildren come out and enjoy."
To learn more about Readings from the Rookery and other programs and events, visit the Severson Dells Nature Centercalendar of events.