Beall Woods State Park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its old-growth forest being dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve on Sunday.
The celebration will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Beall Woods State Park Visitors Center, located at 9285 Beall Woods Avenue near Mt. Carmel. In 1966, 329 acres of old-growth forest at Beall Woods became the 14th Illinois Nature Preserve.
The afternoon will begin with remarks from representatives of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. State Senator Terri Bryant will present a resolution, while author and historian Arthur Pearson will discuss Beall Woods and its place within the Illinois Nature Preserves System.
A cake cutting is scheduled for 1:50 p.m., followed by activities from 2 to 4 p.m.
Visitors can participate in guided hikes focusing on tree identification and forest management, along with programs on the history of Beall Woods and the Coffee Precinct. Educational displays and activities will cover birds, insects, Native American history and agriculture.
The event will also share stories from families with connections to the property before it became a state park.
Lunch will be provided by Wabash Valley, and the public is invited to attend the anniversary celebration.