Wildflower Nature Walks
Enjoy the spectacular wildflowers on Saturday, April 17 or April 24. Everyone on the Wildflower Nature Walks will receive a wildflower "bingo" card to learn the names of the flowers and to keep track of the beautiful wildflowers they see on Elkhart Hill. The walk will be led by botanist Bill McClain. McClain is an Adjunct Research Associate in Botany for the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, an Adjunct Research Scientist for the Illinois Natural History Survey in Champaign, and former program manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. McClain has studied the flowers and history of Elkhart Hill for over 25 years.

Reservations are required for the walks, and the cost is $7.50 (adult) and $5 (children - 12 and younger). Make this a family event! Registration closes on April 12th. Click here for the online, printable reservation form.

Walkers will meet in historic downtown Elkhart at the Bluestem Bake Shop for the 9:30 walks and at Birdsong Books & Vintage for the 1:30 walks. Each outing will last approximately 90 minutes, and each group is limited to 15 people. The outing will be on foot, so walkers should dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellent. See the reservation form for rain date information. Master Gardeners in Macon, Sangamon-Menard, McLean, Peoria and Logan Counties can obtain CE credit for the walk. Contact your Master Gardener Coordinator directly for credit.

Saturday Dining Options
On Saturday, enjoy a variety of dining choices in downtown Elkhart.

• The Blue Stem Bake Shop will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Blue Stem is offering free coffee for Wildflower Nature Weekend participants with a pastry purchase.
• Hudson's Talk of the Town will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a full menu. Saturday evenings after Elkhart Historical Society events, enjoy the Burgundy Steak Dinner with twice baked potato, pasta salad and dinner roll. Cost is $12 per person and includes tax. By reservation only: 217-947-2770. You can also order from the fryer section of their menu from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday nights.
• The Wild Hare Cafe will be open for lunch with a Wildflower Weekend Special - choice of two homemade soups, homemade herbed cheese biscuit, and drink of your choice for $6.99. Reservations recommended. Call 217-947-2100 AFTER your Wildflower Walk reservation has been confirmed, so your reservation will complement your tour time. The Wild Hare is also open for dinner on Saturday night from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended (217-947-2100).

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