Lincoln Marsh Newsletter | 2015 Summer
Magnificent Monarchs
By Deb Ditchman
The Earth laughs in flowers.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monarch butterflies draw attention everywhere they go, whether they are flitting
around your yard or covering the trees in Mexico at the end of their migration.
Their beauty and familiarity help connect people of all
ages to nature and encourage them to want to learn
more. Because monarchs serve as the ambassador for
all pollinators, their conservation benefits pollinators as
well as many other plants and animals. The security and
stability of our food sources and ecosystems are
dependent on healthy pollinator populations such as
monarch butterflies.
So what can you do to ensure the healthy population of monarch butterflies, you
ask? Plant milkweed and other nectar plants at home! Monarch caterpillars need
milkweed specifically, and by planting it at home you will be providing them with
the food resources they need to grow and develop into healthy adults. By planting
nectar plants, you will provide adult monarchs with the energy they need to breed
and migrate.
For additional information, or to support monarch conservation efforts, please visit
any of the websites listed below:
• Monarch Joint Venture: monarchjointventure.org
• Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org
For a FREE butterfly prairie seed packet to start your own butterfly garden, email
your address to Terra Johnson ([email protected]), the Lincoln Marsh
Program Manager. Limit one per family.
lincolnmarsh.org
Lincoln Marsh Mission
To increase awareness
and appreciation for
our connections to the
earth and to each other
through educational and
social experiences
in a healthy
ecosystem.
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Corner of Pierce & Harrison
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.871.2810 p
630.871.9213 f
lincolnmarsh.org
facebook.com/LincolnMarsh
A facility of the
Wheaton Park District
1
Summer Challenge: Get Unplugged!
Thank You to Joel Sheesley, Landscape,
the Knowable Mystery Artist
This summer, challenge your kids to unplug and get
outdoors. Research shows that nature play nourishes
children’s physical, social, and emotional development,
while connecting them to the wealth of resources
available in their backyards, neighborhoods, cities, and
region.
The Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
would like to extend our deepest
gratitude to Joel Sheesley, art
professor at Wheaton College, for
his collaboration to bring the
visual beauty of the Lincoln Marsh
to life. In a partnership between
the Wheaton Park District,
Wheaton College, and Mr. Sheesley,
the wonder of the Lincoln Marsh
was brought to life on canvas for the entire community
of Wheaton and beyond to enjoy.
By Terra Johnson
Chicago Wilderness, a regional alliance of more than
300 organizations working together to restore local
nature and improve the quality of life for all living
things by protecting the lands and waters on which we
all depend, developed an Outdoor Bill of Rights. You
don’t have to be an expert or even travel from the
comfort of your own yard to help your children
enjoy the wonders of the natural world. Build a sense
of curiosity and wonder! If you are excited about
outdoor play and exploration, it will be
contagious. Visit chicagowilderness.org/
files/6713/3027/2151/activity_suggestions.pdf for
activity suggestions.
Don’t forget Lincoln Marsh as a safe natural place
where you can explore. We look forward to
meeting you trailside this summer!
Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
Every child should have the opportunity to:
• Discover wilderness – prairies, dunes, forests,
savannas, and wetlands
• Camp under the stars
• Follow a trail
• Catch and release
fish, frogs, and
insects
• Climb a tree
• Explore nature in
neighborhoods and
cities
• Celebrate their
natural heritage
• Plant a flower
• Play in the mud or a stream
• Learn to swim. Wheaton Park District offers swim
lessons. Visit wheatonparkdistrict.com for dates,
times, and pricing.
The majority of the paintings from Landscape, the
Knowable Mystery exhibit were on display at Wheaton
College’s Billy Graham Center, but other paintings are
displayed in and around the city of Wheaton,
including: Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton Park
District Community Center, Cosley Zoo, DuPage
County Historical Museum, Lincoln Marsh Natural
Area, Wheaton Bank and Trust, Wheaton Chamber of
Commerce, and Wheaton Public Library.
Terra Johnson, Lincoln Marsh Program Manager, says,
“We are grateful that Joel chose to dedicate his
sabbatical to document the Lincoln Marsh through his
artistic work. I am excited about the awareness that
is has brought to the beauty and wonder that Lincoln
Marsh holds and that so many people have been
exposed to Joel’s amazing work.”
Mr. Sheesley’s prolific and exquisite paintings capture
the stillness of the Marsh and come from a deeply
personal place for him: While he spent hundreds of
hours during his professional sabbatical to pursue this
work, he also sees the Marsh as a place to simply
connect with nature, his faith, and a life of
contemplation. We at the Lincoln Marsh are delighted
that like so many residents in and near Wheaton, Mr.
Sheesley found a solace among the Lincoln Marsh’s
solemn trees, water, and prairie lands. However, we
are even more thankful that he artfully mastered the
landscape of the Lincoln Marsh and share it with our
community.
To purchase any paintings from this exhibit, email Joel
Sheesley at [email protected]
2 lincolnmarsh.org
Meet Our Staff
Jack Tison, Environmental Educator
Meet the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Administrative Staff:
Jack is a retired teacher with 40 years
of experience and joined the Lincoln
Marsh team in 2009. He taught middle
school for 31 years and 9 years at a
private Catholic high school. He has a
master’s degree in Environmental
Education and Interpretation. He
enjoys working at Lincoln Marsh
because he loves teaching kids as well
as the outdoors. Jack’s favorite memory
was the day he was preparing for a scout program and
a Great Horned Owl flew over his head.
Lincoln Marsh Program Manager: Terra Johnson
[email protected] | 630.510.4990
Dianne Wawrzyniak, Challenge Course Facilitator
Conservation Manager: Kevin Flynn
[email protected] | 630.510.4981
Dianne joined the Lincoln Marsh
team in 1996 when she was
working as a management
consultant. At that time she
worked in companies doing
management, team building, and
change management train for
employees of various levels. When
she left the corporate world to become a
teacher, working at the Marsh became the perfect
weekend and summer gig. The thing she likes best
about the Marsh is working with different people
and especially working outdoors. Her other interests
include acting in plays and traveling. She took her first
trip out of the U.S in 2013 when she traveled to South
Africa to work on a lion conservation project. She also
is a strong believer in animal rescue. Last November
she adopted 4 year old Hazel, a pit bull boxer mix.
Adminstrative Assistant: Angela Doromal
[email protected] | 630.510.4991
Adventure Education Supervisor: Mike Kelly
[email protected] | 630.510.4993
Environmental Education Supervisor: Deb Ditchman
[email protected] | 630.510.4992
Program Administrative Assistant: Becky Egan
[email protected] | 630.510.4996
Discover Lincoln Marsh
Wetland, woodland, and prairie ecosystems nestled
within 151 acres are highly valued for recreation,
education, and environmental benefits. Lincoln Marsh
provides valuable resources to the community including
storm water storage, water quality improvement,
wildlife habitat, as well as recreational and educational
opportunities for thousands of people annually.
What can I do at Lincoln Marsh during the summer?
• Go bird watching
• See the full palette of colors in our prairie patches
• Listen for the jug-o-rum of the bullfrog
• Walk your dog
• Participate in:
– Adventure Program
– Environmental Education & Nature Interpretation Program
– Teams & Ropes Challenge Course
– Climbing Tower
Like Us!
Contact us – 630.871.2810 | lincolnmarsh.org
lincolnmarsh.org
3
Summer Programs & Events Hosted by Lincoln Marsh
early childhood
Nature Play Days – Summer Series
Parent/Child
Class
Together we’ll sing, fiddle, jiggle, and journey into the
wild while encountering nature through free-play.
Self-guided stations explore a new theme each session. The perfect
way to foster an appreciation for the natural world in your tiny explorer.
Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. (DD)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
Dates
18 mos-3 7/10
18 mos-3 8/14
Limit: 5
Nature-Telling
FREE!
It’s nature story-telling time! Children ages two to five, along with an
adult chaperone, are invited to join a naturalist from the Lincoln Marsh
at the Wheaton Public Library to listen to a nature-themed story and
participate in a related craft and/or activity. To register, please call the
Wheaton Public Library’s children’s department at 630.868.7540. (DD)
Location: Wheaton Public Library, Children’s Department (lower level)
Limit: 15 pairs
Day Time
R/NR Fee Class #
F
9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 310243-03
F
9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 310243-04
AgeDay
2-5*
2nd Tuesday of each month
*with adult
Time
11-11:30A
Wheaton Park District’s Lincoln Marsh
Natural Area joins Chicago Wilderness in
a regional initiative called Leave No Child
Inside, with the goal of improving children’s
health and fostering generations of children
who care enough about nature to protect it.
Join the campaign to Leave No Child Inside
and sign up for a nature program that promotes nature exploration by
children and their families at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area.
Nature Buddies – Summer Series
FREE!
Join our family nature club at Lincoln Marsh! The goal
of Nature Buddies is to inspire families to connect with
the natural world and spend quality time together
outdoors. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (TJ)
Location: Lincoln Marsh East Entrance
Parent/Child
Class
Limit: 15
Age Dates
Day Time R/NR Fee Class #
Birth-5 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, 8/12 W 9:30-11A $0/$0
310569-01
Register for any of the Lincoln Marsh programs
at wheatonparkdistrict.com.
4 lincolnmarsh.org
Summer Programs & Events Hosted by Lincoln Marsh
early childhood
Nature Tots – Summer Series
Parent/Child
Class
Discover the joys of nature with your child! Foster a sense of
wonder and curiosity about all things wild through hands-on activities,
crafts, games, and stories. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying
adult. (DD)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Limit: 5
Snakes aren’t scary! They are very cool animals with some interesting
adaptations. Join in the fun as we read a snake story and make a craft!
Dates
7/8
Day
W
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50355289-01
Nature Tots – Tots N Turtles
Who’s that sunbathing on a log? Why, it’s a turtle, of course! Investigate
where turtles live and make some turtle shakers.
Age
3-5
Dates
7/22
Day
W
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50355290-01
Nature Tots – Bubble Magic
Uncover the magic of bubbles and how they form then make your very
own bubble solution.
Age
3-5
Dates
8/5
Day
W
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50355291-01
Nature Tots – Leaping Ladybugs
Take a peek at these little spotted insects as we venture
out on a ladybug hunt, read a story, and make ladybug costumes!
Age
3-5
Dates
8/12
lincolnmarsh.org
Day
W
Time
1-2P
Discover the who, what, and whys of animals and nature as we explore
different themes each week through hands-on activities, crafts, games,
and stories.
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Limit: 5
Kids N Critters – Snakes are not Scary
Nature Tots – Sneaky Snakes
Age
3-5
Kids N Critters – Summer Series
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50355292-01
No need to be afraid! Let’s investigate our friend, the ssssssnake. Listen
to a story and make a craft to remind us that snakes aren’t scary!
Age
4-6
Dates
7/7
Day
Tu
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50356226-01
Kids N Critters – Time Out For Turtles
Who’s that carrying its home on its back? It’s a turtle! Explore where
turtles live, play a game, and make turtle shakers.
Age
4-6
Dates
7/21
Day
Tu
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50356227-01
Kids N Critters – Blowing Bubbles
How big of a bubble can you blow? Investigate bubbles and make your
own bubble solution.
Age
4-6
Dates
8/4
Day
Tu
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50356228-01
Kids N Critters – Life of a Ladybug
Ladybugs love this time of year! Go on a hike to explore their lives then
make your very own ladybug craft to take home.
Age
4-6
Dates
8/11
Day
Tu
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50356229-01
5
Summer Programs & Events Hosted by Lincoln Marsh
family programs
Open Canoeing
Come out and paddle around Northside Park Lagoon. Participants will
be outfitted with a canoe, life jacket, and paddles. You may also bring a
pole and bait to go fishing. Fee is for one canoe for up to three people.
If you have over three people you must register for an additional canoe.
Under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No instruction
provided. (MK)
Location: Northside Park Canoe CabinLimit: 8
Age
Dates Day
All ages 7/11 Sa
All ages 8/8
Sa
Time
9-11A
9-11A
R/NR Fee
$10/$10
$10/$10
Class #
310575-02
310575-03
Wading and Scooping
The wetland at the Lincoln Marsh is alive with frogs, tadpoles,
aquatic insects, turtles,and a host of other critters. This is your chance
to wade along its edges equipped with nets, to catch and learn about
the fascinating wildlife of this valuable ecosystem. All creatures are
released at the end of the program. Children must be accompanied by a
nonpaying adult. (DD)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
Dates
All ages 7/18
Day
Sa
Limit: 25
Time
10-11A
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50 310506-01
Register for any of the Lincoln Marsh programs
at wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Moonlight Canoe
Paddle by moonlight and enjoy an evening of canoeing and s’mores with
the family. Each canoe must have at least one adult and will be provided
a lantern. Register each person individually. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Maximum of 3 people per canoe. (MK)
Location: Northside Park Canoe CabinLimit: 15
Age
Dates Day
6 & over 7/31 F
Time
R/NR Fee
Class #
8-9:30P $12.50/$15.75 310545-01
Go Fish
Meet us for a little fishing fun. Learn some basic fishing techniques and
types of bait then see if you can find the best fishing spots. All equipment and bait will be provided for children or you can bring your own.
(DD)
Location: Northside Park Boy Scout Cabin; Rathje Park*
Age Dates
All ages 8/1
All ages 8/15
Day
Sa
Sa
Time
9-10:30A
9-10:30A
Limit: 15
R/NR Fee Class #
$9/$11.25 310514-01
$9/$11.25 310514-02*
Just Plain Batty Night Hike
Bats are important and fascinating creatures that most of us rarely see.
Come learn about bats through a story and then take a hike to see if we
spot them. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. (DD)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
All ages
Dates
8/8
Day
Sa
Limit: 15
Time
7-8:30P
R/NR Fee Class #
$9/$11.25 310578-01
Totally Turtles
Does your family think that turtles are terrific? So do we! Lincoln Marsh
is home to several species of turtles. We’ll take a hike to explore and
learn more about our favorite terrapins. Children must be accompanied
by a nonpaying adult.
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
All ages
Dates
8/16
Day
Su
Limit: 15
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50 310579-01
Family Geocaching
Search for hidden treasure at the Lincoln Marsh using GPS! GPS units
provided. Children must be accompanied by a non paying adult. (MK)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
Dates
6 & over 8/22
Day
Sa
Limit: 25
Time
R/NR Fee Class #
10-11:30A $8/$10
310515-01
6 lincolnmarsh.org
Summer Programs & Events Hosted by Lincoln Marsh
nature & outdoor adventure
Junior Naturalists – Summer Series
Join other “nature nuts” in our Junior Naturalists program. We combine
activities and explorations that help answer every child’s science and
nature questions. (DD)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Limit: 5
Junior Naturalists – SSS Snakes
How much do you know about snakes? Come test your knowledge in
this program all about them. You’ll get to see a snake skin and skeleton
and make a snake craft to take home.
Age
6-11
Dates
7/9
Day
Th
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50310396-01
Junior Naturalists – Turtle Time
Go on a turtle hunt and discover the lives of these amazing reptiles.
Learn about a very special turtle and what you can do to help.
Age
6-11
Dates
7/23
Day
Th
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50310397-01
Junior Naturalists – Bubble-ology
Bubble-ologists have a very important job: making bubbles! Become
certified bubble-ologists as we do experiments and make our own
bubbles to take home.
Age
6-11
Dates
8/6
Day
Th
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50310398-01
Junior Naturalists – Woodland Wanderers
Join us as we wander through the woodlands exploring the natural
world.
Age
6-11
Dates
8/13
Day
Th
Time
1-2P
R/NR Fee Class #
$7.50/$9.50310399-01
Youth Archery Class
Learn the parts of an arrow and recurve bow, the basics of using a recurve
bow, and fundamental shooting skills in an extremely safe environment.
Also learn an excellent, nationally recognized beginner’s 9-step to the
10 ring progression which was created by the Coaches Development
Committee of the National Archery Association. Blunt tipped arrows,
bows, and targets are provided. Both technique and games will be a
part of this class.
Location: Toohey Park
Age
7-10
11-14
Dates
Day
7/28-8/25Tu
7/28-8/25Tu
Limit: 16
Time
R/NR Fee Class #
5:30-6:15P $68/$85 355357-03
6:30-7:30P $80/$100 355357-04
Open Climb Series
Check out our 50 foot climbing tower that provides a fun, challenging,
and unique experience. No experience necessary and a certified instructor
will do the belaying. An adult must be present for children under 14. (MK)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
6 & over
6 & over
6 & over
6 & over
Dates
7/10
7/24
8/14
8/28
Day
F
F
F
F
Limit: 15
Time
5:30-7:30P
5:30-7:30P
5:30-7:30P
5:30-7:30P
R/NR Fee
$15/$18.75
$15/$18.75
$15/$18.75
$15/$18.75
Class #
310568-04
310568-05
310568-06
310568-07
Vertical Challenge
Challenge your personal limits. Work with a partner to get across
balance logs, cargo nets, burma bridges, and multi-vines while being
28 feet off the ground. (MK)
Location: Lincoln Marsh
Age
Dates
12 & over 7/17
Day
F
Limit: 15
Time
5-8P
R/NR Fee Class #
$28/$35 310314-01
Canoeing Basics
Learn basic canoeing skills from entering a canoe to steering a canoe
using different strokes such as draws, sweeps and maneuvers. Register
each person individually; maximum 2 people per canoe.
Location: Northside Park Canoe CabinLimit: 16
Age
8-12
lincolnmarsh.org
Dates
8/9
Day
Su
Time
4-5:30P
R/NR Fee Class #
$11/$13.75355358-01
7
uncorked
COSLEY
ZOO
Voted
top event
by Glancer
Magazine
8 lincolnmarsh.org