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Hamill Family Nature Plaza is a collection of Center Plaza
thematic gardens and comfortable gathering spaces.
The 1.5-acre landscape features native vegetation— During the warmer months, be sure to check out the large,
including more than 10,000 perennials; 8,200 square three-season, open-sided pavilion and the area surrounding it.
feet of perennial seeds; and 650 deciduous, evergreen, This is where you'll find Animal Ambassadors, CZS staff members
and flowering trees and shrubs. giving Zoo Chats, and Roving Naturalists with carts full of small
critters. The Center Plaza will also host many of the zoo's
West Plaza (Discovery Gardens) educational programs such as Zoo Camp, a graduate program,
and teacher training.
Discovery is the theme of the West Plaza, which hosts
a variety of science- and conservation-based learning East Plaza
experiences.
• The Science Exploration Garden offers bench seat- Imaginative play and relaxation are key themes for the East Plaza.
Young children can hop into an oversized bird nest and pretend to
ing to be used for facilitated and informal science be young birds. At the same time, they are developing empathy for
learning throughout the summer. birds and nature. And who can walk by the vertical chimes without
• The Sensory Garden stimulates the senses through stopping and grabbing a mallet? Children learn to connect the size
the use of colors, textures, and scents. This accessi- of the chime with the sound it makes when struck. They can also
ble space has raised beds, wide walkways, and stop for a jam session at four flower-shaped, percussion instruments.
planting spaces that accommodate guests of all
abilities. Here, you can learn about summer flowers Amongst all of this musical activity, you'll find notes of serenity.
and vegetables you can plant at home. You'll also Along a pathway that winds through the East Plaza, you can sit and
learn about the important role of pollinators, such rest on benches while enjoying the gardens and trees. Like most of
as the bees and butterflies that frequent the garden the seating in the plaza, the benches are made mostly of recycled
during the warmer months. materials.
• An area of native plants and wetland-type plantings
highlights the important role of plants in minimiz- You'll also find seating and a place for groups to gather at the
ing flooding and filtering out pollutants from rain semi-circular Peter Huizenga Council Ring—an ideal spot to relax
and storm water. or chat about important environmental and conservation issues. The
Council Ring recognizes Danish-American landscape architect Jens
Looking for a unique and attractive space for a party, Jensen. He played a prominent role in the creation of the prairie-
wedding, reception, or corporate event? Hamill Family Nature style architecture found in many gardens and urban landscapes and
Plaza is available to rent for after-hours private functions. he helped establish the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
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