We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog post to bring you a wacky alternative universe theory. I believe that if Dr. Seuss had chosen a different career path he might have been the visionary park designer of Busey Woods (Urbana Park District). Please allow me to connect the dots for you. In reality, Dr. Seuss wrote children’s books. His books possess an almost mythical ability to transport the reader into another world. He accomplishes this escapism and whimsy through melodious rhymes and playful drawings that lull the reader into a rhythmic trance. Shortly after we are lost in the story, this pied piper pulls back the curtain to share a meaningful life lesson. A great park also follows this Dr. Seuss storyline. Busey Woods is no different. It’s mythical story begins with the park’s alluring trails (2.5 miles). Your first step into the woods will shave your urban rust.
As you continue to turn the pages of the Busey Woods story, prepare to lose track of time at the sight and flight of many whimsical birds not unlike Gertrude McFuzz (warblers, owls and many unique species abound… consider an Audubon walk to see birds you never dreamed you see!),
Next, read between the lines and you might find playful animals (mink, for example).
“This one I think is called a mink,
He likes to wink.
He likes to drink. He likes to drink and drink and drink.
The ink he likes to drink is pink.
The mink likes to wink and drink pink ink. I think?”
Photo by Dr. Jonathan Hicks
At the story’s close you are sure to learn meaningful life lessons (like the value in protecting old growth remnant forests).
“At the far end of town,
Where the Big Grove still grows,
and the wind smells of south farms when it blows,
where all the birds ever sing including old crows,
is the woods of the Lifted Lorax.
And deep in Busey Woods some people say,
if you look deep enough you can still see today,
Where the Lorax once stood,
just as long as he could,
to protect one of our last places to play.”
You see, many years ago Urbana residents recognized the need to preserve their old trees in the sea of corn. A “prairie grove” of ancient trees had once covered nearly 6,000 acres in east central Illinois. As development grew and the forest dwindled, the Lorax was heard and 59 acres were saved (and more in other parks and parcels) to form Busey Woods. Visit this park to honor what could have been lost. Visit to escape, even if that wocket in your pocket only gives you an hour to spare. Visit to find whimsy and play through a Fox in Socks or Yertle the Turtle.
“Visit to find some new trails,
Said the Cat in the Hat.
A lot of good trails.
I will show them to you.
Your mother will not at all mind if I do.”
Visit: Busey Woods of the Urbana Park District. 1602 N Coler Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
https://www.urbanaparks.org/parks/natural-areas/
Consider: Your family could easily spend a lazy summer day here. Begin with a hike and picnic in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park. Next, visit the Anita Purves Nature Center, followed by a scamper through the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. Finally, cool off with a swim at the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. Don’t forget to stop at the nearby ice cream shop: El Oasis. Sample interesting varieties of ice cream, but settle on the pine nut flavor. You won’t be disappointed!
