While oversized spider likenesses with extra-fuzzy appendages and glowing eyes that show up in Halloween decorations are designed to prompt shrieks, some real-deal arachnids recently elicited squeals of joy outside the Plum Creek Nature Center — at least from the children in attendance.
A group of youngsters ages 3 to 5 used headlamps and flashlights one evening last week during a free Nature Play Day After Hours to spot the reflections from spiders’ eyes on the grounds outside of the nature center in Crete Township. Occasionally, a parent offered a caution not to get so close, but most simply embraced the excitement instilled by Heather Van Zyl, an interpretive naturalist for the Forest Preserve District of Will County, who enjoyed the outing just as much as the kids.
“I really find it all fun,” Van Zyl said. “I get excited looking for these things.”
After searching for and temporarily capturing some eight-legged creatures, families returned to a meeting room inside the nature center to review each other’s finds. The program also included a web art project, discussions and stories related to spiders, activities involving tissue paper spider silk and something akin to a web fort, as well as a spider zoo.
Van Zyl had spent that morning looking for spiders at home with her children to create the spider zoo so children would be guaranteed to see some arachnids up close. Which leads to the question of what the interpretive naturalist typically does when she finds a spider in her house. Unsurprisingly, she does not harm them.
“Spiders in your basement are pretty much just staying in your basement, eating all the bugs you really don’t want,” she said. “They’re sticking to themselves. Leave those.”
Nature Play Days, which focus on an audience of children ages 3-5 and their caregivers, have been taking place for years. But the After Hours edition was designed to offer another option to parents who work a traditional workday, Van Zyl explained.
“Most things for toddlers and preschoolers are during the day,” she said. “People have jobs. This has been exciting to see this nighttime one grow.”
During the programs, families explore together. Spending time outside is always important, Van Zyl said, but there is also age-appropriate learning time.
The October edition was designed to highlight what makes spiders so special and critical to the ecosystem. The timing near Halloween was intentional, as the district works to find seasonally appropriate themes. This month’s program also happened to come at a great time to look for spiders and their webs.
“This is big spider season because it’s mating season,” Van Zyl said. “You see them all over the place.”
The district has made efforts to sway some people from the negative reactions they have toward spiders. And the program reinforced that mission by demystifying the creatures for area families.
“I really hope that they go away knowing what makes spiders special,” Van Zyl said. “Then, knowing spiders have these special qualities, they will enjoy them and appreciate them. We’re always looking to get to a no squish, no fear zone. Hopefully they’ll be able to build on that as they get older, whether that’s going to the library or exploring in their own yard or coming back here for more programs — just laying that groundwork for loving nature.”
Van Zyl said children often come around quickly to spiders and other wildlife some consider scary or otherwise off-putting. And while adults may have long-held aversions to certain things, the caregivers bringing children to the nature center often do so with the goal of nurturing their interests, even if they don’t always share them, Van Zyl said.
Deanna Deboer, of Beecher, and her daughter Kimberly Reed, 3, are regulars at the nature center. Kimberly loves animals and enjoys the activities that change seasonally around the nature center.
“She loves coming to the nature center,” Deboer said. “She plays outside and inside for hours.”
And Kimberly harbors no fears when it comes to eight-legged creatures. In fact, she brought some of the spiders from their Halloween decorations to the event.
“She’s into it,” Deboer said.
Samantha Genovese, of Beecher, came to Plum Creek on Oct. 10 with a spider-fanatic of her own. Daughter Sabrina Skrbina, 3, loves to play at Plum Creek. She also likes to see birds, bees and bugs.
“She loves tarantulas,” Genovese said. “I was excited for this one, because I knew she liked all the creepy-crawlers.”
Van Zyl’s favorite spiders are the jumping kind. They’re fuzzy and fun to see on the move, she said. Finding the webs of giant orb weavers can also be a treat. And wolf spiders also can be spotted in the area, with the females renowned for their unique parenting habits.
Van Zyl, like anyone, can still be startled by the unexpected, but nature for her is more about what makes it wonderful rather than scary. That is a mentality she hopes to share with area families through programs such as the Nature Play Days.
“The more time you spend with any creepy crawlies, the more appreciation that you have for them,” Van Zyl said. “Then, just knowing how important they are and the jobs that they have makes a big difference in being able to appreciate them, as well.”
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
