Gretchen Steele

Over the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed something unexpected in southern Illinois. Our spring flowering plants are blooming again, a sight that has puzzled us all.
It’s truly a sight to behold. It all began with a few peculiar blooms on a lilac; before we knew it, the crab apple trees were joining in. Since then, I’ve either stumbled upon or received reports of many plants that seem to have lost track of their blooming schedule.

Giant City State Park near Makanda, Ill., is taking a significant step forward in making the outdoors more accessible to all. The park is excited to announce the addition of an Action Trackchair, a tool that opens up new possibilities for visitors with limited mobility.
If you’ve ever been to Giant City State Park, you know the beauty it holds — towering bluffs, lush forests, and winding trails that invite exploration. However, not all visitors have been able to fully experience these natural wonders, especially those who rely on wheelchairs or have other mobility challenges. That’s where the Action Trackchair comes in.