Ryerson Woods continues its reading program

The Friends of Ryerson Woods group will continue its successful “Ryerson Reads” program in September at the Deerfield-area forest preserve.The book discussion series focuses on environmental literary classics. The books in this season#146;s four-part series concern trees.As a special supplementary program this year, Steve Packard, director of Chicago Audubon and the subject of Miracle Under the Oaks, will lead a tour of Somme Prairie Grove, the 90-acre preserve in Northbrook that he fought to preserve. Participants will see rare ancient savanna, prairie, woodland and ponds.#147;Nature permeates our lives,#148; says Friends of Ryerson Woods Executive Director Sophie Twichell. #147;At Ryerson, we want people to explore how art and nature connect us.#148;The discussions are set for Sept. 14, Nov. 16, Jan. 11, 2012, and March 14, 2012.Each gathering will be at Brushwood, the historic home at Ryerson Woods. The fee per discussion is $15, $10 for Friends of Ryerson Woods members. A pass for all four sessions costs $30 for members, $45 for others. For details, call (847) 968.3321 or visit ryersonwoods.org.