Join habitat restoration work day at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center

Help improve the natural areas at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center in Elgin by helping to remove invasive plants and shrubs, planting native plants, and general cleanup of trails.

They welcome both individuals and groups to the Habitat Restoration Work Days.

Come out and volunteer at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, off Route 20 on Elgin's west side. Tools are provided. Wear long pants and closed toe shoes.

The work days will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Feb. 17 and March 17.

All volunteers must register one week in advance and they will be required to sign a waiver to participate.

For information, contact naturalist Maura Neuffer at (847) 531-7055.

Thanks to committed volunteers, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

This group of volunteers assist with being greeters during open hours, leading outdoor work days, building indoor exhibits, maintaining the fish tanks and more.

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is the perfect place to enjoy rich fall colors, snow-frosted trees, spring wildflowers, summer amphibians, and an ever changing host of birds near the pond, in the woods, or even from the comfort of the nature center. The 67-acre natural area that flanks both sides of Brookside Drive has a wheelchair-accessible trail that leads to the pond and sedge meadow as well as wide, wood-chipped trails to access other areas. Please bring your family and friends. We have games and activities for children and families to enjoy together.

Looking for a party space? Located in a beautiful natural setting, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center can accommodate up to 60 people with table and chairs for 55 people. The scenic location is perfect for showers, birthday parties, anniversaries, and holidays. The hourly fee is $60 for residents, $70 for nonresidents or $55 for nonprofits.

For information on Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, contact Greg Bruggeman at (847) 531-7007. Visit centreofelgin.org.