Ryerson Woods' Fall Fest a bevy of color
Yellow leaves slowly float to the ground as Katie Zaban, an environmental education specialist, leads a small group of excited children and their parents through a brightly colored forest, learning about changes in nature.
“We got the best day to see the colors changing in the woods, said Zaban as she discussed the hidden habitats of animals while conducting a trail walk through Ryerson Woods.
The nature hike was part of Lake County Forest Preserve's Fall Festival last weekend.
“It was great. Just a perfect day, said Megan Lavery of Vernon Hills after taking a guided trail tour. “That's why we came out today. The forest preserve does a fantastic job.
The festival gave residents the opportunity to learn about the fall changes, play games, talk with naturalists and walk the trails at the forest preserve in Riverwoods.
According to the 2010 Farmers' Almanac, the peak season to view the beautiful red, orange and gold displays of foliage in northern Illinois is Oct. 12-22.
Jen Berlinghof, environmental educator for the Lake County Forest Preserve, said that during the fall color hikes participants can learn from a naturalist why leaves turn colors, as well as what other changes take place in the forest during fall.
“We are almost close to peak color, Berlinghof said. “So this is a good year to have this event. You see a lot of the bright reds and oranges. It is a great day to come out and enjoy the day with the family.