Mother’s Day Flower Walks Set For May 9 At Russell Woods

GENOA — University of Illinois Extension will host guided wildflower walks on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Natural Resource Education Center in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, located west of Genoa. Walks will begin on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. with the final tour at 1 p.m. The program will feature spring native wildflowers and will be led by local botany enthusiasts Karen Matz and Brian Hale, along with Extension staff and Master Naturalists. Organizers said the event will highlight seasonal blooms such as spring beauties and promote awareness of native plants and pollinators, while noting that plant removal from preserves is prohibited. The walks are free and open to the public, and visitors can contact the center with questions at 815-784-2000.