Earth Day, every day at St. Charles park

Parents got out the winter jackets and hats once again Saturday as families braved temperatures in the 50s and wind gusts up to 40 mph to celebrate Earth Day at Campton Hills Park in St. Charles.

The theme this year was "keeping it local," and the festival featured local musicians, local produce and flowers and local resources. Families also could tour the park's ecological area in wagons drawn by Clydesdale horses and learn about birds of prey brought by staff from the Spring Brook Nature Center in Itasca.

Educators from the University of Illinois extension gave out information on how to create a garden that any butterfly would love, and guests could plant squash or chive to take home in bio-degradable pots, (made of coconut husks), courtesy of Karen Stark of the Geneva Green Market.

"We're educating the public about local foods," Stark said. "It's part of our mission."

A fire in the stone fireplace inside the picnic shelter provided warmth and a way to make s'mores. The Illinois Natural History Survey traveling science center trailer provided respite from the wind.

"Is that real?" asked Emily Baron, 10, of St. Charles as she stepped into the trailer and pointed to a deer pelt. She was dismayed to find out that it was.

"I like animals, and I don't like it when people hunt them," she said. She and her twin sister, Allison, took time to learn about Illinois natural habitats and species.

"I think this is great," said their mother, Karen. "I love being outdoors and being with the kids. They're at an age when they like to explore."

"This is wonderful," said Adrienne Colbert of St. Charles, shaking a tambourine. She had joined a drumming circle with son Richard, 5, who was beating a plastic drum. "It doesn't get any better. I've lived in St. Charles for six years, and this is my first time at this festival."

Pam Otto, manager of nature programs for the St. Charles Park District, said observing Earth Day encourages families to become familiar with the district's parks.

"People come to Campton Hills Park to play sports, but they don't realize there is a lot more to it," Otto said. "That's why we're providing tours of our ecological area. Earth Day is not just one day. We want people to make everyday Earth Day."