Donors get early look at revamped Hidden Oaks Nature Center

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Donors to The Nature Foundation of Will County got a sneak peek of the Forest Preserve’s redesigned Hidden Oaks Nature Center days before the facility reopened to the public on May 3.

The nature center, which was acquired by the Forest Preserve District of Will County in 2022, closed to the public in early 2024 to undergo a $2 million renovation designed to make the site a hub for education and exploration in northern Will County. The improvements include new exhibits and exploration stations, expanded exhibit space, updated rental space and a larger reception area that includes a gift shop. Visitors will also see an expanded outdoor bird-feeding station that was funded by The Nature Foundation.

At the Foundation’s preview evening, donors explored the outdoor grounds and both floors of the facility, tried out the new exploration stations, and met the animal ambassadors that call Hidden Oaks home.  Nature center staff were on hand to answer questions and pointed out all the new bells and whistles.

Much to the delight of visitors, a large oak tree remains the highlight of the first-floor exhibit space. It, too, underwent improvements and many commented on how life-like the tree and its new inhabitants looked.

Kim Shehorn, a Foundation donor and Forest Preserve volunteer, attended with friend Brooke Heimlich, and both were impressed with the redesigned space, starting with the oak tree.

“The tree is what people remember when they think of this space, and it was here before, but it’s much better now,” Shehorn said.

The oak tree was an attention-getter for young visitors too, but far from the only one. Ellen Gorski from The Nature Foundation’s Board of Directors attended the preview evening with her 6-year-old son, Michael, who found something new to enjoy around every corner. He was particularly taken with the Hidden Oaks animal ambassadors, including a salamander, a snake and several turtles, with Maxine the red-footed tortoise being the main attraction.

Michael got an up-close look at each of the animals in their new tanks and enclosures, and Maxine took a moment to regard him out while he checked her out. He also had fun at the room’s two exploration stations, where he got a closer look at some critters using a microscope.

Upstairs, donors had access to the exhibit “Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives” and gathered in the Quercus Room to spend time catching up with old friends, make new ones and enjoy appetizers sponsored by McWethy’s Tavern, cultivated by executive chef and Foundation Board Director, Dan Casey. 

Attendee Anne Querio enjoyed getting a sneak peek at Hidden Oaks and appreciates The Nature Foundation’s efforts to support the Forest Preserve’s work to make the outdoors accessible for all. She has fond memories of being outdoors and exploring with her kids when they were young, and that’s something she wants future generations to enjoy as well.

That’s why the Forest Preserve District’s work is so important,” Querio said. “They are maintaining these outdoor places for us and preserving them for the future.”

For many, The Nature Foundation’s support for priorities that protect nature, inspire discovery and bring people and nature together is particularly meaningful because of what it means for the future. Shehorn said she volunteers and supports the Foundation because it’s a way to contribute to that greater good.

“Educating the public, especially about the environment, that’s really important,” said Shehorn, who used to manage education programs for a museum.

For Gorski, who lives nearby, returning to the nature center ended months of anticipation, and seeing Michael enjoy the new exhibits with a sense of wonder was the ultimate reward.

“It starts with the kids. That’s the legacy we’re leaving behind,” she said. “If they appreciate nature, hopefully they’ll keep working on that legacy.”