Celebrate Nature Art Week at Knoch Knolls

Kids and adults can enjoy a series of fun, educational activities during Knoch Knolls Nature Center's second annual Nature Art Week.

The activities run through Sunday, Aug. 14, at 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville.

The focus of the 2016 Nature Art Week is on trees and how important they are to us and our world.

"See the Forest (For the Trees)" is the title of the artwork by Jenny Kendler, which forms the centerpiece for the week's theme and activities. The artwork was installed on July 12 just south of Knoch Knolls Nature Center, and is available to be viewed any time Knoch Knolls Park is open. Park hours are daily from sunrise to one hour after sunset.

"See the Forest (For the Trees)" is a sculptural garden of seven trees framed on either end by upended tree root plates (roots surrounding tree trunks). The artwork offers a close-up look at tree roots and a chance to decipher a hidden message.

A sign posted near the artwork explains the background of the sculpture and how to decode the hidden message in the trees.

In addition to viewing the artwork and decoding the secret message, kids and adults are invited to participate in a number of free educational activities during Nature Art Week. The schedule of activities is as follows:

• Make-and-take craft project and tree-related self-guided activities - available during Nature Center hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Aug. 14.

• Tree-identification walks with Scott Stringer at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. Stringer is a certified arborist with the Bolingbrook office of Bartlett Tree Experts.

• Art & the Environment talk and a Meet and Greet with artist Jenny Kendler and arborist Scott Stringer at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14.