The Forest Preserve District's Found Objects Sculpture Trail in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve now has an online interactive feature designed to enhance a visitor's experience.
“With Plum Creek Nature Center having to adjust to COVID-19 restrictions, we were looking for a new way to interact with hikers,” said Suzy Lyttle, a Forest Preserve program coordinator. “Around the Found Objects Sculpture display along Snapper Pond trail, you will see new signs with a QR code.”
Path users can scan the code with their phone’s camera app to open a formstack. Most phones now have a QR reading app built in. If you have an older phone, you might have to download an app to read the QR code.
“Once the QR code is scanned and a form opens in your phone's browser, you will see a trail map and the sculpture locations,” Lyttle explained. “The form also asks you to answer a unique question at each sculpture. Can you jump as high as the extremely tall poppies? Can you find all the pieces to the sculpture? Can you show us your best selfie with the iron aviator?”
Using the QR code is a way for the Forest Preserve to interact virtually with visitors.
“I hope even for those who have walked the trail multiple times, this gives them something new to try next time,” Lyttle said. “It also gives us data to support trail exhibits in the future. If we see a lot of people using it, it gives us fuel to get new artwork out there.”
The Found Objects Sculpture Trail features sculptures made by artist Jennifer Meyer. She crafted the pieces from discarded items. Her art will be featured along the trail through March 31.
In addition to hosting the Found Objects Sculpture Trail, the Forest Preserve District also is seeking sculptures for its 2021 “Sculpting WILD” juried art show. To find out more about the competition and how to submit artwork for consideration, visit this link.
The submission period runs through January 29. Once the artwork is chosen and artists are notified, the show will be held from March 2-April 2 at Plum Creek Nature Center. Winners will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for a people’s choice award. The contest is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County.
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