September 12th: Have you ever wondered what Illinois looked like before it became known for its cities and agriculture? Join us on this special field trip to Okàn Savanna, one of the last black oak savannas left in Illinois. Okàn is a 29.85-acre conservation site recently acquired by The Community Development Corporation of Pembroke-Hopkins Park with the help of the Illinois Audubon Society. It boasts pristine habitat that provides a home for state-endangered highbush blueberry, state-threatened ornate box turtle, and regal fritillary butterfly… and of course a number of bird species. Our hike will be lead by Anne Hughes-Wagner who will teach us about what makes this site so special, and birding guide will be WCAS Field Trip Chair Kara Morales.
We will meet at the Okan Welcome Center (located at 13851 E Central Ave, Hopkins Park, IL 60944) at 9am. Please dress appropriately for an outdoor walk on natural trails. As the weather will still be warm, defense against ticks (bug spray or treated clothing/shoes) is highly recommended.
Free and open to the public. No registration required. Any questions can be emailed to WCAS Field Trip Chair Kara Morales at karamorales727@gmail.com