The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites history fans and families to step back in time and enjoy the outdoors at the free “Fullersburg Days” on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Graue Mill and Museum and the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook.
During the event visitors can make colorful seed bombs and traditional corn husk dolls, decorate and create buttons, and take self-guided history walks with the Goosechase app. They can see demonstrations of traditional corn-grinding techniques during tours of Graue Mill and play vintage yard games near the Graue House. And new this year, visitors can wade into Salt Creek (water shoes suggested) and help Forest Preserve District ecologists rid the waterway of invasive rusty crayfish.
Inside the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, visitors can meet resident turtles Tina, Lemon, and Daisy and learn what the Forest Preserve
District is doing to protect turtles in the wild. They can also view a special photo exhibit highlighting the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 1930s conservation workforce that helped shape the preserve, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On Saturday at 9:45 a.m., spectators who arrive early can watch the Friends of the Forest Preserve District’s annual rubber duck race fundraiser with $500 in cash going to the winner. Duck sales are online at dupageforest.org/friends and end July 31 at noon.
“‘Fullersburg Days’ is a great way for families to connect with both the natural world and the area’s rich history,” said Sandie Gilmer, heritage site logistics manager for the Forest Preserve District. “Whether you’re coming for the stories, the scenery, or to help us round up crayfish in Salt Creek, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information, call Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at 630-850-8110.