Above / New banners for the Naperville Riverwalk mark the Farmers Plaza at Eagle Street, a good place to pause and reflect about this community’s can-do spirit. Then head west toward Sindt Woods where a bevy of wildlife activity adds beauty to the city’s natural treasure.
Thanks to Chuck Papanos and Tiffani Picco who manage care for the Riverwalk, new banners are flying high at the Farmers Plaza at Eagle Street, a good place to pause and reflect about this community’s can-do spirit whenever a trek of the linear park is planned.
After noting the pioneer families who helped settle this farming community in the 19th and 20th centuries, head west toward the quarry beyond Rotary Hill where Moser Tower stands tall, then onto Sindt Woods where a bevy of wildlife activity adds beauty to the city’s natural treasure.
Winter flowers are blooming beautifully to brighten up the day in Sindt Woods along the Riverwalk, one of many outdoor spaces where faithful Riverwalk users find flowers blossoming in cold weather. Early on March 13, 2020, the sun was shining through the trees and the temperature was 31 degrees.
Resembling a yellow buttercup in color, perennial Winter Aconite (Eranthis) returns annually in the woodland habitats along the Riverwalk, spreading out under the trees. Though a little later than last year, the cheerful yellow buds thrive on sun, opening fully only when the sun shines.
Dainty, delicate and dangling, snowdrops (Galanthus) again are basking in the sunshine with their white bell-like blooms.
Signs of beaver activity are along the serpentine brick path where it winds around the curve near the pond in Sindt Woods. Keep walking to note the beaver’s distinctive “pencil point-type” of gnaw on downed tree trunks here and there.
This morning’s walk among nature was filled with sunshine, thoughts of using commonsense and taking precautions to stay healthy.
From the Main Street Bridge all along the DuPage River to the Jefferson Avenue Bridge, we were mindful of the true character of Naperville, Illinois, in the United States of America, and its can-do spirit, much of which was learned from folks who since the 1980s have designed and built the Riverwalk in the heart of downtown Naperville.
Although the Rotary Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K and the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, two important fundraisers for this community, were canceled with a focus on caution, many Downtown Naperville restaurants are open, including Catch 35 for its Fish on Friday and Quigley’s Irish Pub where live music and a pint welcome folks with sláinte.
Use your good judgement, come downtown if you’re in good health and celebrate safely.
Meanwhile, wash your hands with soap and water for twenty seconds. We’re hearing folks mark the time while they wash by singing “Happy Birthday.” Cover coughs and sneezes. Be a good example for young ones who might be watching. Help everyone around you feel safe. Eat nourishing food. Drink plenty of liquids. Stick to the facts.
Again, stay informed, keep calm, remain focused on important responsibilities, and use commonsense in the best interests of good health and safety for the community every step of the way.
—Your Friends at Positively Naperville
