Area preschoolers and their families gathered at the McElroy Educational Center to enjoy the changing of the season. This edition of "Nature Pals" included plenty of hands-on activities, a chance to read a book, and a group sit down to learn about what changes the children are seeing this time of year. Parents enjoy bringing the kids out and one dad got his first taste of "Nature Pals".

Members of the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, as well as people from the community, were seen at Deep Cut Park on Thursday for the opening of a brand new shelter house. This is the first shelter that the park district has added that not only has air conditioning but heating too. Community member Steve Roebuck donated the money to the park district to be able to build the shelter and memorialized the building to his parents, giving it the name of the Lee and Ruby Roebuck Shelter.

It was in 1978, the Johnny Appleseed Park District only had two parks under their belt, Heritage and McLean Teddy Bear. The park district grew into a metropolitan district and now has 16 parks and is still growing. Park Director Kevin Haver was instrumental in the development and growth of the district over the last 4-decades. He has now decided to retire after 42 years and says he is leaving the park district in capable hands as the growth is not over and additional projects are on the horizon.

It's officially underway and it's one for the birds! Friday started the 21st Great Backyard Bird Count.