ACORN Accessible Nature Exploration

ACORN Accessible Nature Exploration 🌱 ACORN Accessible Nature Exploration 🌱is a group for ACCESSIBLE NATURE EXPLORATION for the Peoria and Central Illinois region.

ACESSIBILITY is for EVERYONE! 🏳️‍🌈

This gorgeous fall morning the ACORN gang enjoyed a leisurely and colorful walk through the mature and abundant oaks at ...
11/04/2025

This gorgeous fall morning the ACORN gang enjoyed a leisurely and colorful walk through the mature and abundant oaks at Robinson Park. Our newest Master Naturalist taught about the various keystone oak species in this bluff area, where the chinquapins grow, and what species rely on the black, red, and white oaks.
It's remarkable that such a diverse and beautiful trail can be completely accessible with its level, well groomed trail.
Note: This trail is not marked ADA, and may not be suitable for some wheelchairs, but it's very accessible and had we not given it a shot, we may not know. Not every accessible trail is listed as ADA. It's important to get out there and seek out places that are appropriate for those of us with barriers to easy hiking so that we can find lots of cool places to explore!

Last week, ACORN Explorers headed out to a friend's home to see how they have transformed a sterile cornfield into a nat...
10/27/2025

Last week, ACORN Explorers headed out to a friend's home to see how they have transformed a sterile cornfield into a nature preserve and homestead. Featuring fruit and nut orchards, native plantings, wooded and open nooks, and an energy efficient green home, the property feels secluded and natural.

This week the ACORNS ventured to Tawny Oaks Field Station and Singing Woods Preserve. So many birds are migrating throug...
09/26/2025

This week the ACORNS ventured to Tawny Oaks Field Station and Singing Woods Preserve. So many birds are migrating through the Mississippi flyway and we wanted to see some interesting species! We observed an active family of woodpeckers, watched a tanager fly and dip from open field to massive oak tree, and learned about the recently vacated bluebird trail of houses maintained by volunteers at the Peoria Park district. There is so much beauty that this particular location that it feels like heaven! Especially on a gorgeous September morning!

We've started off autumn with a gorgeous prairie walk at Jubilee State Park. The prairie here is healthy and vibrant, pl...
09/12/2025

We've started off autumn with a gorgeous prairie walk at Jubilee State Park. The prairie here is healthy and vibrant, planted with the help of the Jubilee Prairie Dawgs, Illinois River Correctional Center, Boy Scouts, and many dedicated friends! Lisa Sandall (Prairie Dawg) presented a talk about the park prairie history and significance, as well as the prairie as an ecosystem.

This week, we looked at a keystone tree species in Illinois, the hackberry! Ubiquitous to six continents, the tree is fo...
07/22/2025

This week, we looked at a keystone tree species in Illinois, the hackberry! Ubiquitous to six continents, the tree is found just about everywhere. But despite its commonality, there are a few species that only survive due to the hackberry itself.
Keystone species are important centers to ecological webs, providing access to food, shelter, breeding habitat for large and varied swaths of species. These keystone species are often generalized and crucial to biodiversity.

GROW through what you GO through! 🌱
04/26/2025

GROW through what you GO through! 🌱

Adventures at Charter Oak Park pond. We were seeking tadpoles, but found everything else instead! 🪺
04/16/2025

Adventures at Charter Oak Park pond. We were seeking tadpoles, but found everything else instead! 🪺

Bonus pics from our ACORN Explorers at Luthy Botanical Garden
04/10/2025

Bonus pics from our ACORN Explorers at Luthy Botanical Garden

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Peoria, IL
61615

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