Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

Traveling to the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center’s, last week, the visitor center includes exhibits on geology, human and natural history and habitat management. Frequent educational programs and interpretive hikes teach visitors about our natural environment.

There is canyon is known for its association with Illinois botanist Floyd Swink, who did much to preserve the area during his career. The center discusses the early beginnings of Native Americans and uncommon plants.

Floyd Swink began his life in Villa Park in 1921. While attending York High School, he began his interest in botany. He published several books and a professor of botany.

In 1960, he joined The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois as the director of education, teaching botany and natural history. He became the arboretum's plant taxonomist in 1963. He continued to work for the Morton Arboretum for almost 40 years.