Local Conservation: Forest Preserve District Installs New Exhibit
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center opens a two-room display designed to show woodland life during both daylight and darkness without an admission fee.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
The Forest Preserve District of Will County has opened a new educational installation in Channahon that focuses on the biological rhythms of local woodlands. The Day & Night Exhibition is now available to the public at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
Visitors can access the display from Wednesday through Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., until January 3. The facility maintains its standard policy of free admission for all visitors. This policy applies to Four Rivers and every other visitor center operated by the district.
The exhibit occupies two separate rooms within the facility. One room simulates a forest environment during the day, while the second replicates the conditions of a forest at night. Each space contains a large replica oak tree constructed by Four Rivers staff to demonstrate how life in the woods changes with the availability of light.
Jerome Gabriel, the facility supervisor at Four Rivers, stated that the display helps observers understand diurnal and nocturnal activities. He noted that while people often enjoy the aesthetic and peaceful qualities of a forest, the exhibit reveals the organisms that are typically hidden from view.
The nighttime room is equipped with blackout curtains and requires visitors to use flashlights for exploration. The daytime room is designed to be bright and airy. Gabriel explained that the setup allows for interaction with species that are otherwise difficult to spot because they are concealed.
Staff members spent hundreds of hours creating the replica trees and all additional components for the installation. The facility is accredited by the National Inclusion Project, which ensures the design supports accessible experiences for all patrons.
Gabriel confirmed that all interactive elements in the exhibit are positioned at a height of 44 inches or lower. This includes doors, sliding panels, and buttons used to activate lights. The low placement ensures that every interactive feature is within reach for visitors of varying heights and abilities.
