Four Rivers Nature Center To Host Sensory Sunday Programs

A special program designed for individuals who have sensory processing needs will be offered at the Autism Certified Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon in the coming months.

Three sessions of the program are scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon on Sundays Aug. 7, Sept. 4 and Oct. 30.

“This program is passive,” said Jessica McQuown, an interpretive naturalist at Four Rivers. “The center will be open only to those who register, and an activity or craft will be available. Our goal is to give visitors who might find regular hours overwhelming, a calm and quiet version of the center that they can explore comfortably on their own terms.”

The activity or craft will change each month to highlight a feature of an exhibit or an element of nature that can be observed outside each month, said Angela Rafac, the interpretive naturalist who will lead the Aug. 7 program.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity to families," Rafac said.

The nature center doesn’t open to the general public until noon on Sundays, so this one hour will be devoted to those who are looking to experience Four Rivers on their own terms. Registration will be limited to 20. To register, call 815-722-9470 by the Friday before each program.

An interpretive naturalist will be available to assist visitors, just as they would be on any other day, McQuown explained. But they won't be leading an organized or structured program during the Sensory Sunday time frame.

Four Rivers received its autism certification in 2020 from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The certification shows that Four Rivers staff members are trained to understand and assist with the needs of those with autism or other sensory processing needs.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.