Explore nature, history at Fullersburg Days Aug. 1-2 in Oak Brook

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites history fans and families to step back in time and enjoy the outdoors at the free Fullersburg Days Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days at Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, and the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook.

During the event, visitors can make colorful seed bombs and traditional corn husk dolls, decorate and create buttons, and take self-guided history walks with the Goosechase app.

They can see demonstrations of traditional corn-grinding techniques during tours of Graue Mill and play vintage yard games near the Graue House. And, new this year, visitors can wade into Salt Creek (water shoes suggested) and help district ecologists rid the waterway of invasive rusty crayfish.

Inside the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, visitors can meet resident turtles Tina, Lemon, and Daisy and learn what the forest preserve district is doing to protect turtles in the wild.

They can also view a special photo exhibit highlighting the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 1930s conservation workforce that helped shape the preserve, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Saturday at 9:45 a.m., spectators who arrive early can watch the Friends of the Forest Preserve District’s annual rubber duck race fundraiser, with $500 in cash going to the winner. Purchase rubber ducks online at dupageforest.org/friends; sales end at noon Friday, July 31. Cost is $15, five ducks for $60, or 10 ducks for $100.

“Fullersburg Days is a great way for families to connect with both the natural world and the area’s rich history,” said Sandie Gilmer, heritage site logistics manager for the Forest Preserve District. “Whether you’re coming for the stories, the scenery, or to help us round up crayfish in Salt Creek, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

For information, call (630) 850-8110.