ACORN Accessible Nature Exploration

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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! 🏳️‍🌈

In early September, ACORN members visited a small Illinois prairie remnant, protected over the millennia in part by a s...
10/05/2026

In early September, ACORN members visited a small Illinois prairie remnant, protected over the millennia in part by a settler cemetery located within.
Frequently, we find native plants and even remnant prairies in old cemeteries, where agriculture and urban development don't occur.
We experienced quite a few bird and plant species that are less typical to find, and absorbed the unique feel of this wonderful area! Illinois State Stewards guided us both for the protection of this location and the species within.

Our beautiful late September weather found us exploring our own perceptions this day as we focused on a mindfulness natu...
09/30/2026

Our beautiful late September weather found us exploring our own perceptions this day as we focused on a mindfulness nature walk.

We learned how to breathe, how to reconnect with our world and ourselves, and even got a peak at the mysterious secrets of a monarch butterfly chrysalis!

Our late June exploration took us to Farm Creek, where excessive mud and a swift current kept us well above the embankme...
06/23/2026

Our late June exploration took us to Farm Creek, where excessive mud and a swift current kept us well above the embankment.
We talked about flash floods, the drainage differences in various local creeks, the effect of our abundant rain this spring, as well as the structure of creek and stream banks.
The day was mild and sunny, but with streaks of mud along the path, we saw deer tracks and plenty of happy native plants.
Cup leaf and common milkweed were abundant at the trails edge where the sun dappled through the lightly wooded area, and we imagined ourselves in the most recent ice age, examining honey locust trees, catalpa, and red buds, while dodging local foragers like mammoths and giant ground sloth!

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!

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Peoria, IL
61615

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