ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Visitors can appreciate the sights, sounds and even tastes of spring at the 42nd annual “Stroll through Spring” at Black Hawk State Historic Site on April 29.
The free activities kick off with a bird-watching session from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Expert leaders will help participants locate both resident and migratory birds. Gather at the Black Hawk statue at Watch Tower Lodge, and bring your own binoculars or use a pair provided by the historic site.
The event moves to the Lodge at 9 a.m. for refreshments – including wild violet jelly – and a short program at 9:30.
At 10, participants will break into small groups to observe and identify wildflowers. The Black Hawk forest is designated as a nature preserve and has many native species of wildflowers.
The Stroll through Spring is one of the favorite events of the year at Black Hawk historic site. The event is appropriate for all ages. Participants can join any or all of the activities.
This event is sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Citizens to Preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation, which has provided educational outreach for the site since 1972. For more information call 309-788-9536 or visit
www.blackhawkpark.org.
Black Hawk State Historic Site (located at 1510 46th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.) commemorates Native Americans of the area, particularly the Sauk and Meskwaki who lived here from about 1750 to 1831. Led by the warrior Black Hawk, the tribes battled soldiers and settlers in 1832 but lost and were forced out of the state.
The historic site includes a large natural area, the Watch Tower Lodge and the Hauberg Indian Museum. It is open for free public tours.
The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.
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