History hikes explore sites of Civilian Conservation Corps

History buffs and outdoor explorers are invited to take a walk back in time during “Signs of the Civilian Conservation Corps” guided hikes this month at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve and Pioneer Park.

Participants can explore McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville Saturday, Sept. 7, or tour Pioneer Park in Naperville Saturday, Sept. 21. The hikes begin at 10 and 11:30 a.m., as well as 1:30 and 3 p.m. at each location.

Both locations are former worksites of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the New Deal program in which recruits planted trees and built picnic shelters, bridges, dams and trails on public lands across the U.S. during the 1930s. McDowell Grove served later as a radar training site.

Chris Gingrich with the district’s Office of Education has conducted extensive research on the CCC in DuPage County and will lead the tours, sharing historic photos, maps and stories to bring the past of these preserves to life.

Participants with mobile devices are invited to download the free Historypin app, which features historic photographs of some of the sites they’ll visit during the hike.

“Signs of the Civilian Conservation Corps” hikes are free, but participants must register in advance with Gingrich at (630) 871-7537. Participants must be 8 or older, and children younger than 16 must be with an adult.

The main entrance to McDowell Grove is at Raymond Drive and McDowell Road. Pioneer Park is on Washington Street, north of Hobson Road.