Enjoy Fullersburg Days this weekend

Families are invited to explore the woods, sit by the creek, and learn about history during Fullersburg Days at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook this weekend.

Indoor and outdoor activities are planned from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, at the Graue Mill and Museum, the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and throughout the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve on Spring Road.

"We're trying to celebrate Fullersburg Woods and the history of Fullersburg Woods," said Jay Johnson, heritage site logistics manager for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and a district employee for almost 40 years.

Guests at this free event can try fishing with cane poles, make dolls out of corn husks and even make s'mores over an open fire. S'mores kits with everything needed to create delicious treats for four will be sold throughout the afternoon.

Outdoor activities also will include guided nature and plant hikes. Hikers will learn about plants and animals native to the area, and might even catch a glimpse of the bald eagle that's been spotted in recent weeks.

"It's been really fun to see," Johnson said.

Indoor activities include tours of the 1852 grist mill, once powered by Salt Creek, inside the Graue Mill building. Young visitors can learn about the workings of the mill as they play with recently added magnetic gears on the building's lower level.

"Our focus right now is trying to take the old and infuse some new features," Johnson said.

The top two floors of the building are filled with displays depicting life in the 1850s. Volunteers will conduct live demonstrations of spinning and weaving techniques.

The Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center offers a look at the creatures that currently call the forest preserve home, as well as those who might have roamed the area thousands of years ago. Along with a historic photography display showcasing the contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps, experts from Fullersburg will tell visitors about the center's nearly intact woolly mammoth skeleton and a recently curated display of mastodon teeth.

"It's a pretty unusual feature," Johnson said of the mammoth bones, discovered in 1977 at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

Children also enjoy climbing up into the center's giant bird's nest.

"They can imagine being a bird," Johnson said.

Live creatures on display at the Nature Education Center include fish, a bullfrog and a turtle.

Johnson said the event will be held rain or shine, and families are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks to enjoy during their visit.

"We have picnic tables in the area," he said, as well as shelters.

"Fullersburg Days is a great opportunity for folks to discover our heritage, explore the natural beauty of the area, and create fun memories," Johnson said.

Visitors with questions about the event can call the Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110.

Forest district events

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District offers a variety of activities and events at its 60 forest preserves, which encompass 26,000 acres.

Here are three nearby programs taking place this month that residents might want to check out.

For a complete list of programs and other information, visit http://www.dupageforest.org.

Tour Mayslake Hall

During this "At Home with Nature House Tour," learn some of the surprising history of Mayslake Hall, the 1921 home of F.S. Peabody and a landmark and architectural gem that has been surrounded by an oasis of nature for more than 100 years. Ages 12 and up are welcome. The tours run from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 30 The cost is $8.

Mayslake Peabody Estate is located at 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Call (630) 206-9566 for more information.

Way back to school

Take a guided tour of the farmhouse at Kline Creek Farm that focuses on going to school and education in the 1890s between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, Aug. 15 to Sept. 30.

The farmhouse contains original artifacts and reproductions that enhance its homelike atmosphere and is surrounded by a working farm with corn, oats, potatoes, horses, sheep, cattle and chickens.

The program is for all ages, and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.The cost is $5 per person for ages 3 and older.

Kline Creek Farm is at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. Call (630) 876-5900 for more information.

Enjoy art and nature

Spend a day connecting the present moment with the beauty of summer at A Day in Nature and Creativity: Insects from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Participants will explore creative moments of art journaling, sketching and working with one's hands at a gentle pace to cultivate relaxation, enjoyment and an opportunity to savor the experience. The program is for ages 18 and older, and the cost is $100.

Registration is required. Visit the website or call (630) 206-9566.