ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER IS BORN

by Robert Kelly and Lance Loucks

Environmental Center—just another fancy name for a collection of turtles and frogs that used to be called a Nature Center a few years back? No—not this one. The Forest Preserve Commission of Du Page County under the leadership of its president, C. LeRoy James, recently opened an audio interpreted center for the education of visitors about the complex environment in which we live.

The 132 acre Fullersburg Forest Preserve located along Salt Creek in Du Page County had been a popular location for boating and picnicking since the rustic limestone and log concession building was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. By 1970 Salt Creek was so laden with silt and pollution that county officials banned all water contact activities. A complete loss or a great opportunity?

The staff of the Forest Preserve District envisioned a use for this "landing" area where Indians and settlers had previously come ashore. This would be the solid ground from which the District could launch a convincing campaign on behalf of the earth.

"THE LANDING," DuPage County's Environmental Education Center

Naturalist Aide Karen Liszak prepares headsets for visitor rental

The building would be a port in the storm for those, long wearied of man's disturbances upon land, air and water. It would be the firm foundation for building an understanding of the challenges of American's resource devouring lifestyles. The former concession building would be used to serve "food for thought."

Forest Preserve Commissioners studied every angle of the proposal. After a thorough investigation, the Commission elected to convert the use of the preserve. What was once a heavily used recreational area would become a nature preserve containing the region's first Environmental Center.

Nearly all of the concepts, design and construction were accomplished through the efforts of the multi-talented District personnel. From the unique interpretive techniques developed by the conservation department to the innovative building construction and electronics systems installation completed by maintenance personnel and the landscaping, bridge construction and trail building contributed by the engineering and forestry crews, the project was an in-house achievement.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 4 September/October, 1973

Environmental exhibits at "THE LANDING," are interpreted by sound received through rented headphones.

Sixth grade class observing and environmental problem described by audio-interpretation system while walking the "Which-A-Way Trail"

Nearly every District employee lent a hand on the project between its conceptualization and completion. History was in the making and the Forest Preserve District of Du Page County was writing some of the environmental education chapters.

The visitor encounters one such chapter as he enters "The Landing's" exhibit hall. Rather than extolling the flowers of spring or explaining the colors of autumn the visitor encounters a pathway which treads a pivotal position between nature and urbanized man.

Above the centerline of the pathway sequentially hang four large models of laboratory-type beam balances whose undulating and partially rotating scale pans hold displays. The displays challenge the visitor to "balance" his lifestyle.

Below the balances on either side of the walkway are scale model displays, one depicting the resultant problems of unplanned urbanization and the other a blend of nature which must be combined with urbanization. What is championed is the needed balance between the two extremes of landscapes and living styles and a desired blend of the best elements of both.

Another such blend is the "one-two" punch used in interpretation. The sense of sight is utilized by means of exhibit layout and movement. The actual message is sung, recited in poetry, narrated in prose and offered in dialog via headphones which receive the messages from hidden wire coils.

The headphones are rented for fifty cents each at a nearby double-octagonal building called "The Shelter." The Shelter fills many roles. Its western half serves as an information center, reservation service and headset rental area as well as housing the tape recorder decks. Interpretive messages are transmitted along a hidden wire system into the eastern half of the Shelter, the Landing and the adjacent one and one half mile "Which-A-Way Trail." The eastern half of the Shelter offers a preview and review of the environment in Du Page County.

With headphones on, the visitor departing the Shelter may elect to visit the Landing first or stroll along the Which-A-Way Trail. In either case the visitor will receive a series of environmental messages. Within the Landing the messages augment the exhibits. A dramatization of six teenagers acquiring an increased awareness of environmental problems and solutions is presented at sequential stations along the Which-A-Way Trail.

Lectures, field trips and conservation projects are also available to groups who make advance reservations. Efforts are being made to integrate the messages with those of the nearby Hinsdale Health Museum and the Graue Mill historic site to broaden the scope of the program.

The Environmental Center is staffed by two naturalists and three naturalist aides. A resident ranger assists in managing and operating the preserve.

For anyone who may be interested in learning more about the center please write: Fullersburg Woods Nature Preserve, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60521, or phone 312-323-0389. Meanwhile, we wish for you a happy healthy environment and a rewarding lifestyle—for that is what the Environmental Center is all about.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 5 September/October, 1973