Even without any snow, Mayslake celebrates the Wonders of Winter
By Steve Schering Contributor February 6, 2012 3:12PM
Dan Jones from the the DuPage County Forest Preserve looks on as Jim Nordloh from Hinsdale tries his luck with ice fishing at Mayslake. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:30AM
It may seem like winter is missing in action, but that didn’t stop families from enjoying the Wonders of Winter event at the Mayslake Peabody Estate Saturday afternoon.
“Last year we had the blizzard with snow 2 feet hight,” said DuPage County Forest Preserve Senior Ranger Ray Soszynski. “This year we have no snow. With this type of event you have to make adjustments based on the weather.”
The event promotes the departments and winter time activities of the DuPage County Forest Preserve. Anywhere from 800 to 1,000 people visited Mayslake to learn about and enjoy the preserve.
Though the warm weather made actual ice fishing unsafe, the park district improvised and allowed children to experience fishing on a lake with an interactive set with, “reel” species of fish lurking below.
Guests were able to view a great horned owl, an eastern screech owl, four husky dogs at the adopt-A-husky tent, enjoy hayrides throughout the preserve, geocache and touch a truck with the Oak Brook Fire Department.
“We’re in Cub Scout Pack 382 and they encouraged us to come out today,” said Beth Karmis of Wheaton, who was visiting with her two sons Zack and Cameron. “They’re doing a great job highlighting all the activities of the forest preserve.”
“I think it’s fun. I really like the house,” Cameron said of the 90 year-old mansion which was built and owned by Francis Stuyvesant Peabody.
Zack’s favorite stop was the campfire s’mores tent while Cameron enjoyed the genuine log fire warming station, where guests could warm up between activities.
“A lot of people are coming out for their first time and learning the history of the place,” Soszynski said. “It’s a fun and safe event for everybody.”
Virginia Hopley and her daughter Naomi Marx of Glen Ellyn are no strangers to Mayslake and were visiting the Wonders of Winter event for the fourth straight year.
“We’re huge fans of the forest preserve,” Hopley said. “It’s great exposure to all their different programs.”
Though admitting ice fishing is better on actual ice, Naomi enjoyed her experience and even posed with the eastern screech owl for a picture for mom.
“We love it all and learn something new every time,” Hopley said.
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