Nature and Art Celebrated Saturday At Lake Katherine

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- Get in touch with nature and art at Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights. The nature center is teaming up with the Palos Heights Public Library is teaming up to present a free Nature and Arts Festival in the southwest suburbs, featuring art, music, photography, writing, and fun nature-based activities for all the family. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights.

A trio from the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will open the festival by playing a selection of nature-related classical pieces. Other attractions include a wild edibles cooking demonstration by nutrition educator Chris Rosandich at noon and a presentation at 1 p.m. by floral designer of the year, Walter Fedyshyn, who will demonstrate how to create a natural container from recycled material and 'found' objects from backyards, forest floors or gardens.

Local author and photographer Mike MacDonald will share breathtaking images and stories from his coffee table book "My journey into the Wilds of Chicago." MacDonald, of Downers Grove, has 25 years' experience taking nature photos and says he plans to blow his audience away with an introduction to the natural beauty of their home.

Other nature-based activities in the Lake Katherine Clubhouse include nature journaling, a poetry wall, hands-on-art activities, creative writing prompts, a found art station, and music. Fest-goers can also follow a storybook trail by the waterfall. Starting at 11:30 a.m., Palos Heights librarian Tina Ruszala will present storytime.

This is the second year Lake Katherine and the Palos Heights Public Library has hosted the Nature and Literature Festival. Lake Katherine is located at 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. For more information, visit the nature center's website or call 708-361-1873.

Photo: Charlotte, 6, created a found art project at Lake Katherine's 2017 Nature & Literature Festival. | LK