Trillium Fest 2024: LC Nature Park Anchoring Hope

This week’s news out of the international scientific community has not been optimistic. Extreme heat, melting glaciers, unexpected rain in Greenland all makes one wonder if there is a chance of turning around climate change. Of course, the only reasonable or acceptable response is, yes.  Effort on our part does not guarantee a successful outcome but no response does guarantee disaster. So, to continue to care mightily and to remember why we care about nature, recognizing that we are part of nature is critical. This past week that immersion came in the form of LC Nature Park’s Trillium Fest 2024.
 
LC Nature Park is a unique private preserve in the heart of the historic Little River Valley.  It is part of a neighborhood of preserves and nature corridors. This includes two preserves owned by ACRES Land Trust, two owned by Little River Wetlands Project and it is also located not far from Fogwell Forest, Fox Island County Park and Eagle Marsh. However, this preserve is different from its neighbors.
 
LC Nature Preserve is a 200+ acre preserve. It works to recreate habitats and biodiversity that existed in the area prior to the introduction of European settlers. This includes wetlands, prairie, forests, and a sand dune. It includes two restored historic barns. However, most unique to the area, it includes a herd of elk and a herd of bison. The mission of LC Nature Park is to educate the public about the geology of the area, the history of the area, and the related biodiversity.

This past weekend was the third annual Trillium Fest. The dune was carpeted with these beautiful spring flowers. Their blooming becomes an excuse to welcome spring and summer and all of the activities that will be occurring at the park. Trillium Fest includes volunteers who function as greeters and public educators, booths highlighting other nature-focused agencies, educational games at the education center, food trucks, elk and bison, and of course a dune carpeted in trillium.
 
It is difficult to give in to despair and give up on working to heal a planet when you see examples of restoration and hope throughout the Little River Valley. Today’s hope came in the form of restored habitats, restored herds, children and families reveling in nature and of course, the beauty of the trilliums.

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