Lombard spotlights prairie at fest

Lombard will spotlight the natural wonders of prairies during a family event this weekend at Terrace View Park.

Prairie Days, sponsored by the Lombard Garden Club and Historical Society in cooperation with the Lombard Park District, will feature a hands-on fishing clinic for beginners and experienced levels, programs on prairie plants, bugs and animals, demonstrations of 19th century domestic arts and children's games. It also will offer modern-day crafts and activities, food and music.

"It's meant to be a fun, fun, fun way to experience the prairie as it was in the olden years," said Marymae Meyer, garden club member.

The annual event, which celebrates the return of the tallgrass prairie to Lombard, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, in the park at the intersections of Greenfield Avenue and Elizabeth Street.

"Terrace View Park ... is an absolutely beautiful area," Village President William Mueller said. "If you haven't been out to Terrace View pond and the prairie, this is a good time to visit."

The park district purchased the land in 1947 and it was originally called Babcock's Park. It later was renamed in 1956. After some severe flooding in the area, a 13-acre pond was dug in 1972 as a joint effort between the village and the park district.

In the 1990s, the park district began restoring the wetlands and prairie by halting mowing in some areas and planting native greenery. The garden club has assisted in the recent efforts.

"When you attend Prairie Days ... Lonnie Morris is the driving force behind the scene," Meyer said. "She has worked with the park district on the restoration of the tallgrass prairie."

DuPage County Master Gardeners, a volunteer group trained by the University of Illinois Extension educators, will be available to answer gardening questions. Information on annual and perennial flowers, trees, lawn care and other horticulture issues will also be available.

For details, see villageoflombard.org or lombardparks.com.