Fermilab hosts ‘Discovery Day’

On Saturday, July 14, Fermilab Natural Areas will be offering guided tours of some of the lesser-known natural points of interest of Fermilab. The “Discovery Day” event offers local nature enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore areas of the lab not normally open to the public.

The Discovery Day will begin at the Kuhn Barn in the Fermilab Village, where visitors can chat with other wildlife-lovers before joining a bus and walking tour of some of the lab’s off-the-beaten-track natural areas. At each stop, expert volunteer guides will share their natural history knowledge and answer any questions.

The tours will visit four locations. At the award-winning Nepese Marsh, the site steward will cover its history and point out some current residents such as the secretive sora and the little blue heron. At the next stop, the guides introduce guests to the diversity of Big Woods North and species such as the mullein foxglove and the tiger swallowtail butterfly. The tour at Indian Creek Woods will give visitors an opportunity to explore Fermilab’s wetland mitigation site and see how (with a little work) ospreys are now soaring over what was once a major construction project. Finally, there will be a stop at the Main Ring Savanna. Guides will point out some of the species, such as the redheaded woodpecker and pale Indian plantain.

“Fermilab has a wealth of valuable natural areas,” said Ryan Campbell, Fermilab ecologist and Discovery Day guide. “Discovery Day will offer visitors a rare glimpse of some of the areas which are not generally open to the public.”

Space is limited for this event; email fermilabnaturalareas+discoveryday@gmail.com or phone (630) 840-4845 to reserve your place by Friday, July 6.

There is no fee for the tours, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per person to cover the costs of the day. Lunch also will be available for purchase. Visitors should be prepared for walking over uneven surfaces. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen and wear closed-toe shoes. Participants may enter the lab via the Batavia Road or Pine Street entrances and follow signs to the Kuhn Barn in the village.

Fermilab Natural Areas is a nonprofit volunteer group devoted to restoring the lab’s prairie, woodlands, wetlands and savanna. The group also hosts regular volunteer events and guided walks on the lab. Membership is open to all.

For information about Fermilab Natural Areas or Discovery Day, visit the group’s website at www.fermilabnaturalareas.org/discovery.html.