Learn More about State and National Parks with Presentation, Hike

October 2, 2009

Two events -- a local expert's presentation on national parks, and a guided hike through Fox Ridge State Park -- are planned in conjunction with WEIU-TV's airing of Ken Burns' new documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

The first event, “Journey Through the National Parks," will feature a presentation by parks expert and emeritus EIU faculty member Bill Smith, on Monday, Oct. 5, in the Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union. At 6:30 p.m., park artifacts will be displayed; at 7 p.m., a preview of Burns' documentary will be shown; and at 7:30 p.m., Smith will speak.

The second event, “Take a Hike in East-Central Illinois’ Best Idea,” will be an educational walk through Fox Ridge State Park south of Charleston, beginning at the Ball Diamond Pavilion at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Refreshments will be available. Please RSVP by Oct. 9 by calling 217-581-5956.

At Fox Ridge, EIU geography Professor Vince Gutowski will lead a hike on the wonders of the park's landscape. In addition, Cameron Craig and Kevin Jeanes, co-directors of "Expedition Nature's Realm," will lead a hike that discusses our need to coexist with the environment. A special hike will be available for children to learn about the natural environment.

The events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Both are co-presented by WEIU, Tempestas et Caelum Productions, and the EIU departments of geology/geography and recreation administration.

Burns' documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," will begin airing on WEIU-TV at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. The six-episode series explores the history of U.S. national parks through archival photographs, more than 40 interviews and cinematography of some of nature's most beautiful locations.