What was Illinois like 300 years ago, and what wilderness remains? Learn at Coffee Talk

The Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines, will host a Coffee Talk at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8, on "Remnants of the Illinois Wilderness."

What was Illinois like 300 years ago when it was home to Native Americans and early European settlers and explorers? It was a wilderness of prairies, forests and wetlands, untouched since the retreat of the last ice sheet thousands of years earlier. Today, that wilderness is gone. But remnants survive, preserved today as state parks, nature preserves and wildlife refuges. In this program by Jim Rowan, explore some of these natural areas and discover some of the plants and animals still to be found there.

"It's hard to imagine, but Illinois was once considered the American frontier, full of wild and untouched nature. With summer almost here, I can't wait to explore some of the best remaining wilderness in our area with Mr. Rowan's presentation," says Emma Marston, interpretive curator at the Des Plaines History Center.

All members of the public are welcome to attend "Remnants of the Illinois Wilderness." This program is free thanks to generous sponsors: Village Bank & Trust and Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines.

The History Center's Coffee Talks are a series of adult programs meant to invite public participation and discussion on a broad range of historical topics per the History Center's mission. Donations are appreciated.

The next Coffee Talk will be "Grassroots Democracy: Illinois Labor Journeys" at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Beginning in July, registration will be required for all Coffee Talks. To register, call (847) 391-5399 or email contact@desplaineshistory.org. Any day-of availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis.