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Lincoln Marsh Newsletter | 2016 Winter

Lincoln Marsh MissionTo 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 AreaCorner of Pierce & Harrison

Wheaton, IL 60187630.871.2810 p630.871.9213 f

lincolnmarsh.orgfacebook.com/LincolnMarsh

A facility of the Wheaton Park District

Lincoln Marsh: How Far We’ve Come

In 1973 a small group of concerned citizens began fighting to preserve a natural area known as “Goose Island.” Little did they know that what they fought so hard to save would one day become a hidden gem of Wheaton, The Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, which was officially dedicated in May 1992.

Many of the partnerships that helped preserve the marsh continue today. The Wetlands Education Program, created in collaboration with the Wheaton School District, celebrates its 25th year this spring. In that time over 25,000 school chil-dren have learned why wetlands are valuable and need to be protected.

Brooke McDonald, President and CEO of the Conservation Foundation, began his career as a naturalist with the Wheaton Park District and started the restoration at Lincoln Marsh. Brooke says, “Gone are the old cars and piles of beer cans. Today you’ll see restored prairies and oak woodlands, a wetland teeming with wildlife. This is the place we dreamed of exploring when we were young.”*

Now, 43 years later, the Lincoln Marsh’s Challenge Course and Environmental Education programs hosts over 13,000 people annually, including individuals, families, community groups, and schools. This number doesn’t include the thousands of casual visitors who come to the marsh every year to partake in recreational activities such as bird watching, picnicking, jogging, and dog walking on over two miles of trails.

*McDonald, Brooke “Foreword.” Landscape the Knowable Mystery. Wheaton Park District, 2015.

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The Lincoln Marsh Team

Lincoln Marsh has a highly qualified and dedicated team of over 25 part-time Challenge Course Facilitators and Environmental Educators, many of whom have a long history with the park district.

In 2015, we had several staff celebrate milestone anniversaries. 10 Years of Service Ron Crayton, Challenge Course FacilitatorBecky Egan, Program Administrative AssistantTerra Johnson, Lincoln Marsh Program Manager

5 Years of Service Angela Doromal, Administrative AssistantNate Hambel, Challenge Course FacilitatorWilliam Johnson, Challenge Course FacilitatorMike Kelly, Adventure Education SupervisorJohn Monroe, Challenge Course Facilitator

Thank you and congrats to our entire team for their continued hard work and dedication to the park district; and for providing programming opportunities to over 13,000 participants a year!

The Lincoln Marsh Challenge Course

The inception of the Lincoln Marsh Challenge Course in August of 1982 began with a proposal for a Teams Course, to include a Group Wall, Electric Fence, Tire Toss, Trust Fall, High Beam, and Wobbly Woosy.

Throughout the years the Teams Course has grown, now featuring activities such as Nitro Crossing, Zig-Zag, Incomplete Bridge, Spider Web, Telephone Pole Shuffle, and Adventure Walk. Brief descriptions and pictures of these activities can be viewed at lincolnmarsh.org. In addition to the Teams Course, the Lincoln Marsh Challenge Course also offers a High Ropes Course, Climbing Tower, Power Pole, and Crate Climbing.

The Lincoln Marsh Challenge Course is open year-round. The winter provides a picturesque setting for reconnecting with your team to bond and build stronger relationships within your business, school, church, family, scout group, sports team, and many more. If you prefer to be in the warmth of the indoors, we can bring our Teams Course to you! All we need is an indoor space and we will customize the program to meet your needs.

Challenge Course Off Season DiscountSchedule a Challenge Course program to take place before March 1, 2016 and receive 10% off the program fee. To receive the discount, please mention this ad when making your reservation.

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Winter Programs & Events Hosted by Lincoln Marsh

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Register for any of the Lincoln Marsh programs at wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Nature Play DaysFoster an appreciation for the natural world in your tiny explorer. Self-guided stations explore a new theme each session. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. (DD)

Location: Northside Pk Girl Scout Cabin Limit: 10

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #Winter Series18 mos-3 1/8-3/18 F 9:30-10:30A $39/$51 110231-0118 mos-3 1/8 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-0218 mos-3 1/22 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-0318 mos-3 2/5 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-0418 mos-3 2/19 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-0518 mos-3 3/4 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-0618 mos-3 3/18 F 9:30-10:30A $7.50/$9.50 110231-07

Parent/Child Class

FREE!

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.

Parent/Child Class

Nature-TellingJoin staff from Lincoln Marsh at the Wheaton Public Library to hear a nature story and do a craft. To register please call the library’s Children’s Dept. at 630.868.7540.

Location: Wheaton Public Library, Children’s Department (lower level) Limit: 15 pairs

Age Day Time 2-5* 2nd Tuesday of each month 11-11:30A*with adult

Meet the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area Administrative Staff:Lincoln Marsh Program Manager: Terra Johnson [email protected] | 630.510.4990

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 [email protected] | 630.510.4996

Conservation Manager: Kevin [email protected] | 630.510.4981

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.

Discover Lincoln Marsh

Contact us – 630.871.2810 | lincolnmarsh.org

Like Us!

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Nature Tots – Winter Series 1Discover 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: Northside Park Girl Scout Cabin Limit: 10

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #3-5 1/6-2/10 W 10-11A $39/$51 110211-013-5 1/6-2/10 W 1-2P $39/$51 110211-02

Nature Tots – Snowy Snowflakes It takes a whole lot of snowflakes to make snow. Listen to a story about snowflakes and be prepared to be amazed by these little wonders. (DD)

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #3-5 1/6 W 10-11A $7.50/$9.50 110218-013-5 1/6 W 1-2P $7.50/$9.50 110218-02

Nature Tots – Sleeping Beauties Can you sleep for months at a time? Some of nature’s sleeping beauties can. Learn all about the animals that spend the winter in hibernation. (DD)


Nature Tots – Towering Trees Trees look very different in the wintertime! We’ll spy on tree cookies and explore what’s going on with trees during the cold months. (DD)


Nature Tots – Feathers Fur or ScalesWhat do animals wear? Find out what feathers, fur or scales do for an animal as we discover the wonderful world of animal parts. (DD)


Nature Tots – Oh Give Me a Home Do you know where animals live? Try and spot some animal homes as we go exploring and learn all about where different animals live. (DD)


Nature Tots Series 1 – Dyn-O-Mite Dinosaurs!Did you know that dinosaur means “terrible lizard?” Discover just what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through activities and games. (DD)


Nature Tots – Winter Series 2Discover 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)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #3-5 2/17-3/23 W 10-11A $39/$51 156231-013-5 2/17-3/23 W 1-2P $39/$51 156231-02

Nature Tots – Fantastic Fossils Fossils are fantastic! Come and learn why as we dig for fossils and learn about our very own state fossil. (DD)


Nature Tots – Fox Tales Find out all about the life of a fox through activities, games and a story. (DD)


Nature Tots – Science Surprise Discover some of the mysteries and magic of science as we try out some amazing experiments in this hands-on class. (DD)


Nature Tots – Konk-La-Ree! What was that you heard? The red-winged blackbirds are one of the first birds to come back after the winter and they sure can sing. Come and listen for them with us. (DD)


Nature Tots – Rocking Rocks We’ll be rockin’ about rocks in this class as we learn all about rocks and sing a rock song. (DD)


Nature Tots – Spring Arrivals Spring is here! We’ll go on a hike and explore all of spring’s arrivals. (DD)


Parent/Child Class

Parent/Child Class

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e a r l y c h i l d h o o dKids N Critters – Winter Series PMExplore the whos, whats, and whys of animals and nature through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories. (DD)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #4-6 1/12-3/22 Tu 1-2:30P $42/$54 110205-02

Kids N Critters – Hibernation Habits Imagine sleeping for months at a time. Many animals do this every year. Explore the incredible adaptations that allow these animals to survive the cold winter. (DD)

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #4-6 1/12 Tu 1-2:30P $8/$10 110224-01

Kids N Critters – Heads and Tails Head...shoulders...knees...and toes...whose are those? Discover the difference between animal parts and their uses. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Dinosaur DetectivesWhat do T-rex, velociraptor and triceratops have in common? They are all dinosaurs that lived on our planet millions of years ago. Dig into their past with us through games, activities and a craft. (DD)


Kids N Critters – The Sly Fox Are foxes really sly? Come and hear a story about a fox and learn all about them through games and activities. (DD)


Kids N Critters – The Early Bird Konk-La-Ree! Keep your ears open and you’re bound to hear the song of the red-winged blackbird. We’ll look and listen for this early bird’s return. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Welcome Spring Celebrate the beginning of spring with us as we go on a hike to discover all that spring has in store. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Winter Series AMExplore the whos, whats, and whys of animals and nature through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories. (DD)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #4-6 1/5-3/15 Tu 9:30-11A $42/$54 110205-01

Kids N Critters – Dancing SnowflakesSnowflake here, snowflake there, snowflakes everywhere (hopefully). Come hear a story and learn about these amazing formations that fall from the sky. (DD)

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #4-6 1/5 Tu 9:30-11A $8/$10 110206-01

Kids N Critters – Tree Cookies Have you ever eaten a tree cookie? Hopefully not! We’ll discover the winter secrets of trees and take a close up look at a tree cookie. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Animal HousesYou live in a house but does a mouse? Learn all about animal homes and go exploring to try and spot their hang-outs. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Tully Monster TalesDid you know Illinois has its very own state fossil? Explore the life of the Tully Monster and join us for a fossil dig. Examine fossils and make your very own fossil to take home. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Abracadabra! Use science to perform magic tricks. Amaze those around you with the wonderful feats you’ll learn in this fun, hands-on class. (DD)


Kids N Critters – Rock and Roll We kick them, skip them, and collect them. But where did they come from? Discover the three types of rocks and find out how they are differ-ent from one another. (DD)


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Junior Naturalists – Winter Series 1 Join other nature nuts as we combine activities and explorations that help answer every child’s science and nature questions. (DD)


Winter Series 1Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class # 6-11 1/7-2/11 Th 4:15-5:15P $39/$51 110320-01

Junior Naturalists – Snowflake ScienceUnlock the mysteries of snowflakes as we investigate these amazing ice crystals. (DD)

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #6-11 1/7 Th 4:15-5:15P $7.50/$9.50 110321-01

Junior Naturalists – Naturalists 101 Come and discover the people who help bring nature to everyone. From John Muir to the Kratz brothers, we’ll find out how & why they came to love the world around them. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Winter Trees Learn all about trees as we discover the fascinating secrets behind how they survive and where next spring’s leaves are kept. We’ll also investigate tree cookies. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Animal Fashion From feathers to fur to scales, it’s time to see what the fashionable animals are wearing this season. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Give Me Shelter Go on a house-hunting excursion. How do animals find shelter and build their homes? What do they use for building materials? (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Dinosaur DiscoveryDo you dig dinosaurs? Now you can join us as we learn some cool facts and dig for dinosaurs. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Winter Series 2 Join other nature nuts as we combine activities and explorations that help answer every child’s science and nature questions. (DD)


Winter Series 2 Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class # 6-11 2/18-3/24 Th 4:15-5:15P $39/$51 110320-02

Junior Naturalists – Fossil Finders Become a junior paleontologist as we dig for and examine fossils. We’ll even make our very own fossils to take home! (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Winter Hunters They’re lean and mean and hunting for food. Find out the tricks animals use to keep their bellies full in the winter. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Science Magic Abracadabra! Discover how to do magic tricks using science. In this hands-on class you’ll learn a trick or two so that you can fool your friends. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Sense-sational It’s time to exercise your senses. We’ll test them and trick them in this sense-sational class. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Rocks, Rocks, MineralsWhat do baby powder and diamonds have in common? They’re both minerals. Come and discover the wonders of the world of rocks and minerals. (DD)


Junior Naturalists – Spring has SprungJoin us on a nature hike as we discover where spring has sprung. (DD)


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Winter Bird Treats Spend time together making pine cone and wreath bird feeders. Discover which birds may find your creations a tasty treat. (DD)


Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Fee+ Class #All ages 1/30 Sa 10-11A $7.50/$9.50 110527-01*Recommended for ages 4 & up. +All materials are provided.

Great LM Bird Count Join us to survey the winter birds at Lincoln Marsh as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. (DD)

Location: Lincoln Marsh Limit: 25

Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Class #All ages 2/13 Sa 1-2P $0/$0 110528-01*Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Under Cover of Night Shake those winter blues and explore the changing season on an adventurous night hike. (DD)


Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #All ages 3/19 Sa 7-8:30P $9/$11.25 110529-01*Recommended for ages 4 & up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Night Snowshoeing View the stars as we snowshoe through the winter landscape of Lincoln Marsh. (DD)


Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #6 & over 1/23 Sa 5-6:30P $10/$12.50 110532-01*Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Snowshoe Geocache Explore the winter wonderland on snowshoes while using a GPS unit to search for hidden treasures. (DD)


Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Fee+ Class #6 & over 1/10 Su 1-2:30P $8/$10 110556-01* Recommended for ages 6 & up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Lincoln Marsh Snow Day Come and discover some fun things we can do in and with snow. (DD)


Age* Dates Day Time R/NR Fee+ Class #4 & over 2/7 Su 1-2P $7.50/$9.50 110574-01*Recommended for ages 4 & up. +All materials are provided.

FREE!

Girl Scout – Snowshoeing Looking for a new way to hike with your scouts, try snowshoeing! Scouts will snowshoe around Northside Park looking for signs of winter. (DD)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #6 & over 1/11 M 4-5:30P $7/$8.50 110423-01

Brownie – Home Scientist Science is everywhere! Scouts learn how simple household objects can test real scientific theories. They’ll dive into density, make their own slime and create a delicious frozen treat. (DD)

Location: Northside Park Shelter House Limit: 15

Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #7-9 2/8 M 4-5:30P $7/$8.50 110420-01

Junior Girl Scout – GeocacheLearn all about the latest way to treasure hunt, Geocaching! Search for hidden treasure at Northside Park using GPS units. GPS units are provided. (DD)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #9-11 3/7 M 4-5:30P $7/$8.50 110421-01

The following exciting, hands-on programs will help your scout earn requirements for badges.

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s c h o o l ‘ s o u tSpring Adventure CampCome on an adventure with the staff of Lincoln Marsh. Activities may include canoeing, fishing, games, scavenger hunts and more! (DD)


Age Dates Day Time R/NR Fee Class #5-9 3/28-3/30 M-W 9A-3:30P $97.50/$130 124334-01

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Cosley ZooCosley Zoo is open year- round. Stop by and visit the zoo during the winter and learn about how our animals are different during the cold months. For more information regarding Cosley Zoo, please visit cosleyzoo.org or call 630.665.5534.

Northside Park Warming Shelter with ConcessionsThe warming shelter is open during winter months (weather permitting) and accommodates those participating in outdoor recreation (sledding or skating) at Northside Park. The warming shelter offers restrooms and limited concessions to the public. There is no skate rental. The Wheaton Park District reserves the right to close the shelter house at any time. It will be closed if there are not enough participants to warrant keeping it open or in case of inclement weather.

Hours & InformationMonday-Thursday 4-7PFriday 4-8PSaturday 10A-8PSunday 11A-7PNonschool Days 10A-8P

Holiday Hours – Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day. Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 11A-4P.

Ice SkatingAll ice rinks are swept and resurfaced as needed. To ensure safety, rinks are monitored and checked daily, flags are posted to let skaters know when conditions are safe. Green flags indicate safe conditions and red flags indicate unsafe conditions.

Ice Skating Rinks with Lights– Rathje Park (Roosevelt Road & Delles)– C.L. Herrick Park (Herrick & Armbrust)– Seven Gables Park (Winners Cup Circle)– Kelly Park (Main Street)– Northside Park (West Street)

Ice Skating Rinks without Lights– Briar Patch Park (Briarcliff Blvd.) – Hull Park (Hull Drive)

Cross-Country Skiing at Arrowhead Golf ClubEnjoy the serene setting at Arrowhead Golf Club! We offer groomed trails, rental equipment, and instruction. There’s no trail fee. Skiing is allowed on the golf course except in roped off areas.

Family Programs at the Lincoln MarshThe Lincoln Marsh Natural area offers several winter activities for your family to enjoy. Please visit lincolnmarsh.org or check out programs in this brochure.

Snowshoe Rentals*Fee: $5 per hourRentals are available at the following locations:Lincoln Marsh Office – Weekdays, 9A-3PNorthside Park Shelter House – Weekdays, 4-7P; Weekends & Non-School Days, 11A-7P

*Due to programming needs, snowshoes may be unavailable. Please call ahead.

Lincoln Marsh Office – 630.871.2810 Northside Park Shelter House – 630.234.9351

For further snowshoe rental or program details, visit lincolnmarsh.org

For Winter Activity UpdatesPlease visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/outdoorfun

Northside Park Outdoor Ice

winter activities

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