Midewin offers two activities Saturday

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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers two activities for the public on Saturday Aug. 22. The activities are:

• PRAIRIE WALK: IRON BRIDGE PRAIRIE RESTORATION (9 a.m.): Midewin has a lot to offer the individual who wants to get out and experience the prairie on foot.

Midewin interpreters will lead participants on an easy walk to learn about wildflowers, butterflies, spiders and much more. This walk will explore a new prairie restoration project at Midewin, started in 2008, near the Iron Bridge Trailhead.

The location is easy to reach from the parking lot and close to a trail.

Visitors will be able to watch this restoration change each year as it matures.

Participants should meet at the Midewin Welcome Center, located on Illinois 53, two miles north of Wilmington.

• LIFE OF THE PRAIRIE FARMER, 12:30 p.m.: This tour on Midewin’s east side explores the development of agrarian life on the prairies of northern Illinois from early Euro-American settlers to the Prairie Farmers, who were here when the U.S. Army purchased the land for a munitions plant.

Participants will drive their own vehicles in a guided auto caravan.

A running commentary can be heard over each vehicle’s FM radio as the caravan moves along, and a number of stops are made with short walks to points of interest.

Participants should arrive for their tour 15 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the departure of the group. Come dressed for the weather, wearing shoes suitable for walking over easy to moderately uneven ground.

Bring water, sun protection, and insect repellant. Cameras and binoculars are encouraged.

• RESERVATIONS: To reserve space on a tour, leave a message at (815) 423-2170 or send an e-mail to Lbazan@fs.fed.us.

Please leave contact information in case of cancellations or changes to the tour schedule. There is no charge. Call (815) 423-6370 for more information.

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