Outdoor book exhibit in South Barrington honors Cherokee culture

Young readers and naturalists have the chance to unite for a special exhibit at the South Barrington Conservancy.

Through the month of November, the book "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" by Tracy Sorell and Frane Lessac will be on display along a curated trail in the Conservancy that adjoins The Woods of South Barrington community.

To add to the excitement of the walk, tree cookies painted with natural designs by children and their families are on display alongside the pages. This community art gallery highlights the importance of art in understanding the natural world around us and the inspiration we draw from nature.

The story is about a Cherokee family as they travel through the seasons, forage, share meals and connect with their elders and wildlife. The StoryWalk was assembled with the help of the Barrington Area Library. Readers will learn new words in the Cherokee language and connect with nature.

A StoryWalk® is an innovative way to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many young families turned to StoryWalks® to provide entertainment and sensory engagement for their young children. This is the first StoryWalk® in South Barrington.

This exhibit is provided by The Woods of South Barrington Homeowner's Association to help area residents and visitors understand the importance of valuing natural spaces.

It also serves to promote its commitment to preserving the surrounding wildlife habitats and support its aim to be one of the first homeowner associations in Illinois to be certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.

Together with a group of volunteers, the village of South Barrington and the Barrington Area Library, residents of The Woods and Regency of South Barrington and the public participated in activities and learned about native plants and creating wildlife gardens.

This project was made possible by the Barrington Area Library and village of South Barrington. The canvasses for artwork were donated by Sunrise Tree Care and the village of Addison.

Visit the Exhibit, now through Nov. 30 at 8 Bridges Drive, South Barrington.

To learn more, visit:

• Indigenous people: Trickster Cultural Center, American Indian Center of Chicago

• Certified Community Wildlife Habitat: National Wildlife Federation

• Native plants: Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Citizens for Conservation