Two recent holiday decorating programs welcomed dozens of participants to Gibson Woods Nature Center.
Tree Decorating Naturally and Wildlife Holiday, held on consecutive weekends, utilized various materials found in nature. Pairing twigs, pine cones, acorns, and other various materials with the glue gun produced some very unique decorations.
“We were looking for something different to do on our Saturday together,” said Hammond grandmother Judy Harrison, as she and granddaughter Keri, 10, chose their materials at the Tree Decorating Naturally session. “This program is perfect — we’re making a decoration to take home and one to leave on the Gibson Woods tree.”
Using a glue gun for the first time, Derek Ordon, 10, of Hammond, decided to fashion twigs and seedpods into a star for his take-home ornament.
“I really like to make crafts, especially when they turn out good,” he said, as he lined up his inventory. “I get to be creative, and my mom said that’s good.”
Holiday wreaths, centerpieces and other masterpieces unfolded during the afternoon.
“I’m not really good at making things, but my mom said I should always try,” said Sara Gillian of Highland, as she headed toward the glue gun table. “I like this nature center. We went on walks here before, so I guess this (craft) is going to be fun.”
The second session, Wildlife Holiday, found both youngsters and adults creating decorations that they would take home, and also were encouraged to fashion an ornament be placed outside the nature center on trees and bushes for wildlife to enjoy.
“Everyone has to eat, and this is a good way to feed our outside friends,” said Hammond resident Patrice Travis. “And we can watch them as they enjoy the things we’ve made.”
In addition to offering three walking trails, Gibson Woods Nature Preserve also schedules many programs open to the public throughout the year.
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Also on the premises is an indoor nature center with various displays, and a “Bird Room”.
The latter contains comfortable chairs situated in front of a large glass window, allowing visitors to observe the feeding area for birds, squirrel and other critters that live on the grounds.
For more information, call (219) 844-3118.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.