Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport teaches kids about nature

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – As part of an effort to teach the public about caring for natural lands, Oakdale Nature Preserve invites third grade students to learn about the environment.

On Tuesday, students got a chance to learn about the benefits of growing seeds, saving water and the benefits of recycling during a “Keepers of the Land” event.

The event included sessions with conservation police, Hoo Haven and Native American historical and cultural presentations.

“Keepers of the Land is based on Native American stories,” said Kelly Lafferty, a youth educator with the University of Illinois Extension office. “In the past, they never had a Native American topic, so I was able to find the storyteller in the lodge. I thought that would be a wonderful way to showcase that group.”

Oakdale Nature Preserve [1] is located at 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road.

The preserve offers 133 acres of forests, streams and restored prairies.

References

^ https://freeportparkdistrict.org/oakdale-nature-preserve/ (freeportparkdistrict.org)