EARTH DAY 2025
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
11 AM - 3 PM
Join us at Nell's Woodland for an all day Earth Day celebration! We are collaborating with our partners this Earth Day for a number of exciting events that coincide with our 3 spheres of stewardship; Ecology, Wellness, and The Arts.
Individual Events & Activities
Ecology Event
Wellness Event
Arts Event
Sound Healing Class
IVCC -
Abbey Zukowski
With sound healing, breathwork, mantra and meditation, you can embark on a deep inner journey through space, conscious awareness, breath, tone, and vibration to access the well of knowledge and self-healing available to all of us.
11:15 - 12:00 Ecology Building - Oak Room
Impermanent Art
A Moment of Awe (AMOA)
Create a nature mandala of impermanent art to be blown away by the wind. We will share techniques for making it and use materials from the woods to create this piece of beauty.​​Nature mandala is symbolic artwork representing wholeness, the universe, and the cycle of life.​
11:15 - 12:00 Wellness Building - Violet Room
IVCC -
Emily Manternach​
Visitors will have the opportunity to join an introduction to a gentle and relaxing yoga class. You can learn how yoga can improve your sleep, mood, well-being, and pain management. You will come away more relaxed, limber and feeling better!​
Rachael Miller
Violinist
11:00 - 12:00 Ecology Veranda
12:30 Bridge in The Woodlands
1:45 Ecology Gathering Area
Read more about Rachael Miller here!
En Plein Air Exhibition
Local artist Amanda Weygand Zeher will be creating a nature masterpiece in the woodlands. Their talents and inspiration will be a demonstration of this falls Ottawa’s Art Committe hosting the En Plein Air competition. The art will be exhibited, and prizes will be awarded as part of our Fall Arts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Nell’s Woodland.
1:00 Bridge in The Woodlands
The Importance of Bees
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
Jim Loveland
Have you ever wondered why the bee is so important? These small creatures make a powerful impact on our daily lives! Join hobbyist beekeeper Jim Loveland in his presentation about honey bees to learn more about their family, day-to-day duties, habitat, pests, and other interesting facts.​
Conscious Nature Walk
IVCC -
Emily Manternach
12:15 & 1:15 Woodland Trails (Look for the balloons)
Join Emily to walk amongst the trees and flora at Nells Woodlands. While on the walk we will be identifying things that make you pause and find awe as well as collecting items for the impermanent art with A Moment of Awe. This is one example of how you can connect with Emily at Nells Woodlands. She teaches walking meditation and yoga classes through IVCC here.​
Catering by Thyme Craft Kitchen
Thyme Craft Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant in Peru, IL, known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes. Their catering for Earth Day 2025 reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and community—perfectly aligned with the spirit of Earth Day!
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
Dance Movement
Abby Zukowski
Experience aligning your internal rhythm with the gentle flow of the wind and warmth of the sun while following Abby through some expressive dance movements.
12:30 Ecology Gathering Area
Wildlife Trailer
Visitors can enjoy a trip through a Wildlife Trailer learning and touching skulls, pelts, and learning facts about animals native to Illinois.
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
Face Painting & Snow Cones
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
Free face painting and snow cones will be available to all visitors throughout the day!
Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Visit the U of I Extension 4H booth to make your own pine cone bird feeder!
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
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Story Telling
Bill Myers
Let your imagination wander when listening to a story by Bill Myers. As the language of the story transports you to a different time and place, Bill's words, actions, and sounds will leave you in wonder when listening to this family-friendly story. Through Myers's words and actions, he pours his heart into the stories he tells. By using his life experiences and the charm of his linguistics, Myers brings light to all who hear his stories.​
12:00 - 1:00 Ecology Veranda
Plant Sharing
Nell's Woodland
Upon leaving the event all visitors will be offered a native potted plant as long supplies last. ​ Plants Include: Purple Coneflower, Milkweed, Short Asters, and Iris Virginia!
11 AM - 3 PM Ecology Gathering Area Exhibits
Sounds of The Woodland
Abby Zukowski
Find your inner peace through motion and melody. Explore the woodland trail with Abby and learn to listen and relax to the sounds of nature. Rejuvenate with physical movement and sound vibrations.
2:30 Woodland Trails (Look for the balloons)
Earth Birthday Storytime & Craft
12:15 - 1:00 Wellness Building - Violet Room
Celebrate the Earth’s birthday by learning about the resources that we have. This Storytime will focus on how to make the earth a clean and safe place for people, animals, insects, fish, and plants. A craft will also be provided.
Exhibitors
LaSalle County Health Department
Information about ticks and mosquitos, as well as other health resources.
The Conservation Foundation
Learn about The Dayton Bluffs Forest Preserve!
University of Illinois Extension
Master Gardeners will teach about native plants and the pollination process. Guests will be able to make and take a pot with wildflower seeds. At the Master Naturalists exhibit, visitors will find the opportunity to identify animal skulls and play animal games to learn more about native animals. Nutrition/Wellness - Guests can download the latest Illinois Walking Guide on a phone and learn about other health resources with Susan Glassman, Nutrition and Wellness Educator. 4H Leaders Toni Pienta and Shasta Hladovcak will offer a spring pollinator activity, and visitors will make "bee bots" with a pollinator map game along with an interactive seed packet game for a challenge. Visit Pouncing Panthers to make a bird feeder that you can take home to hang in your yard.
Illinois Valley Community College
Stop by to learn more about IVCC and what programs they're offering at Nell's Woodland!
Ottawa Visitors Center
Learn about the upcoming children’s museum in Ottawa!
Friendship
House
Learn more about Friendship House!
Reddick
Library
Learn more about Reddick Library and the programs they offer at Nell's!
LaSalle County
Soil & Water
Partake in a tree identification activity and mini scavenger hunt!
Ottawa Chamber
of Commerce
Learn more about The City of Ottawa!
Guest Features
Violinist
With over 20 years of experience, Rachael Miller is a versatile and accomplished violinist. Trained in the Suzuki method from age four, she excels in both playing by ear and sight-reading across multiple genres. A full-time performer in the Chicagoland area, Rachael has played prestigious venues, from chamber ensembles to high-profile corporate events. She has made performances with Michael Bublé and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and others.
Storyteller
Bill Myers
Bill Myers began his literary experience as a child in his Earlville home. Myers spent his childhood entangled with nature, telling stories and playing imaginatively. This introductory engagement gave Myers the creative roots he needed to explore the storytelling world. Through Myers's words and actions, he pours his heart into the stories he tells. By using his life experiences and the charm of his linguistics, Myers brings a light to all who hear his stories.
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Beekeeper
Jim Loveland
As a passionate hobbyist beekeeper, Jim has spent years observing and learning from these incredible creatures. Through his hands-on experience, he’s developed a deep appreciation for the essential role honeybees play in our environment and food systems.
Instructor
Abby Zukowski
Abby Zukowski specializes in using her voice and various instrumental vibrations to facilitate emotional release and healing. Through meditation, chanting, and sound healing sessions, she helps individuals overcome stuck emotions and achieve inner peace. Abby is a business partner of Unwind at Westclox, an IVCC educator, and an entrepreneur of Moe Juice.
Instructor
Emily Manternach
Emily is a degreed engineer, a life coach, IVCC educator, and a certified Ayurveda wellness counselor. Emily teaches open flow and restorative yoga, meditation, asana and conscious nature walking.
Registration is
not required
May 3, 2025
11 AM - 3 PM
2000 Alexis Ave. Ottawa, IL 61350
If Woodland parking fills, shuttle transit will be provided by Pleasant View & Friendship House at no-cost at Ottawa Warehouse Bargains,
at 101 W Etna Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350.
​
Shuttles will be available every thirty minutes beginning at 11 AM.
The shuttle is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
