Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden & Nature Trail at Lake of the Woods will be home to Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat. This new exhibit aims to increase public awareness of endangered trees. We are all acutely aware of the problem of endangered animals, but not many of us know that this is just as important of an issue. According to Lisa Sprinkle of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District
“There are fewer than 100 mature Wollemi pines in the wild, compared to 2,500 mature wild giant pandas. You might not hear a lot about globally endangered trees, but it’s a problem as serious as the plight of endangered animals. In many cases, they both are losing habitat to the same forces.”
The Forest Preserve District acquired this exhibit from the Morton Arboretum, where it was developed and produced in association with the Global Trees Campaign, a partnership between Fauna and Flora International and Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
The forest preserve will be hosting a grand opening celebration on August 3rd and 4th, open to all. Here is the schedule of events:
Friday, August 3rd, 6:30-8 p.m.
· Welcoming reception.
· At 7:00 p.m., Elizabeth Jeffery, Master Naturalist and retired U of I faculty member, will provide a special presentation entitled “Ensuring that Illinois Trees Do Not Become Endangered.”
· Fresh refreshments and a limited cash bar serving beer & wine will be available.
· Please RSVP by Tuesday, July 31 to Pat Cain at (217) 586-2612 or [email protected], if you plan to attend.
Saturday, August 4th 1-5 p.m.
· Drop in for even more engaging opening activities. This opening event will feature guided tours, outdoor craft opportunities, and other hands-on activities!
· FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected]
Photo from Facebook