Saturday, April 13.   1-3 p.m.   Thorn Creek Nature Center.   Free!   Ages 12-adult; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.   Registration required by April 8.   708.747.6320.

Get down and dirty and help care for Thorn Creek’s Prairie Sampler.  Located in front of the Nature Center, the small prairie needs your help with weeding, pulling tall goldenrod, and trimming out woody plants. Our Butterfly Garden on the side of the nature center also needs weeding and care. And if the non-native invasive plant Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is present again in our woodland, we can slow it down by pulling individual plants before they set seed. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, and kneelers if you like.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided. Bags and a short orientation will be provided. Work is on natural surface trails and woodland across uneven terrain.