Celebrate nature throughout April with 'Eco 30' program

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites outdoor explorers of all ages to join a variety of activities and events during the "Eco 30" series taking place throughout April at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center.

A calendar of events is available at dupageforest.org/eco30/. Activities encompass familiar favorites like "FullersBird Fridays" bird-watching walks April 11, 18 and 25 and new ones like the "Kids Happy Hour," an earth-friendly crafting program Saturdays, April 5 and 12.

Home gardeners can reserve spots for "Organic Gardening" Sunday, April 6, "Design Your Veggie Garden" Sunday, April 13, and "Worms Eat My Garden: Vermicomposting Workshop" Wednesday, April 23. Other programs will feature geocaching, recycling, bicycling and hiking.

Self-guided features include "Transformation Tuesdays," when Fullersburg posts green ideas and fun family challenges at facebook.com/fullersburgwoods, and the "Picture Your Preserve" nature photography contest and exhibit.

Photographers can enter images taken in DuPage County forest preserves through Tuesday, April 1, and visitors can vote for their favorites throughout the month.

"Even though Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, supporting our environment and experiencing the outdoors is important every day," says Abby Dean, a naturalist at Fullersburg Woods. "We aim to inspire visitors with fun activities and share new ideas throughout the month."

Some programs require advance registration or have fees, which are listed in the online calendar. For details or to register, call Fullersburg Woods at (630) 850-8110. Events are at the nature center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook.