The Chicago River wasn’t the only body of water turned green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
To commemorate the annual holiday, the staff at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens in Palos Heights on Thursday dyed the lake’s waterfall emerald green.
More than 200 visitors attended the event, including 2-year-old Evelyn Vandermolen and her 1-year-old brother, Evan, both of Evergreen Park.
“We absolutely love Lake Katherine,” said their mother, Heather Vandermolen. “As soon as we heard about this, we knew we had to be here.”
The water is colored a brilliant shade of green only on St. Patrick’s Day, to recognize and salute the Irish heritage.
“There is something very magical about watching the water cascading down the waterfall turning from clear to vibrant green,” said Charlotte Ward, marketing coordinator for Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens. “Best of all, is the excited reaction of the children watching who can’t quite believe their eyes.”
A biodegradable dye was used so it did not affect either the wildlife or the center’s surrounding habitat, according to the Gareth Blakesley, the center’s operation manager.
The waterfall at Lake Katherine 7402 Lake Katherine Dr., is popular. The waterfall is 30 feet tall and 300 feet long.
“‘Dyeing the waterfall green is a great way to meet Lake Katherine’s mission to get children outside and connecting with nature in the middle of March,” Blakesley said.
Children also were encouraged to dress up in green and were able to enjoy Green River soda and ice cream floats – both compliments of the nature center.
Showing off their St. Patrick’s Day gear were 5-year-old Jake Houston and his 2-year-old sister, Olivia Houston, with their grandmother, Rita Houston, all of Palos Heights.
“This is a really great event for the kids,” Rita Houston said. “The turnout is amazing.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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