A byproduct of the Waukegan Parks Foundation’s creation of Pollinator Park — to give the community an environmental educational experience — is fresh honey produced in its beehives.
Completed last year, foundation President Charlotte Callahan Wozniak said she was told by the beekeeper not to expect honey the first year, but there was a harvest. She, other foundation board members and Park District commissioners each got a small jar.
“It’s very good,” Wozniak said. “It’s light honey. It all depends on what the bees are feeding on, on what plant they are pollinating.”
Along with the small jars that went to the board members, Wozniak said there were 50 standard-sized jars filled with honey which became part of the foundation’s fundraising efforts. Some members of the public were expected to get a chance to acquire a jar this week.
The Pollinator Park honey was going to be available for a donation at the Waukegan Parks Foundation’s 29th annual Party for the Parks on Feb. 29 at the Adaptive Recreation Center in Waukegan, as the organization raises money for future projects.
Park District Executive Director Jay Lerner said the foundation funds a variety of projects — approximately $70,000 last year — to supplement the district’s budget. Those efforts include the Victory Park Healing Garden adjacent to Vista Medical Center East.
A major foundation effort this year is raising $40,000 for the discovery dock at Bevier Park. Lerner said a major part of the park is devoted to a nature center. It has a pond, and the money being raised will pay for a pier to enhance environmental education.
Designed to allow children and their families to engage with nature, Wozniak said the discovery dock will allow park users to, “learn more about the ecosystem in a serene and calm space.”
“People will be able to see what the fish are doing,” she said. “It’s a much better view than they get from the walkway. They can see the algae growth and rock formations. They can see how the fish react to them.”
Already under construction, Wozniak said the pier is intended to enhance the existing programming at the Nature’s Classroom at the park. There are hundreds of nature- and science-related programs there.
“They engage children and their families in hands-on learning,” she said. “The discovery dock will provide a new structure that will allow children to see, touch and explore the variety of habitats in the Bevier Pond.”
Some of the foundation’s programs are ongoing, like providing every second grader in Waukegan Community School District 60 and local private schools a field trip to the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center for a swimming lesson.
“The water-safety initiative serves an average of 1,200 second graders every year with lifesaving water skills,” Wozniak said. “Seeing the excitement for learning among the students, many who are jumping into a pool for their first time, is priceless.”