Prairie State Wire

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville will host Nature-Culture Day on Saturday, Sept. 28 to introduce visitors to the natural environment of the site and its influence on Mississippian culture.

The event, which is free and open to the public, includes a nature hike, Native American storytelling, and an informational talk. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the interpretive center lobby and auditorium.

Cris Flores, education representative, will lead a brief informative talk on peregrine falcons and falcons in Mississippian iconography at 11:30 a.m. in the Iseminger Auditorium.

The afternoon will feature a special three-hour nature-culture hike on the trails at Cahokia Mounds. The hike will commence from the interpretive center at 1 p.m. and conclude at 4 p.m., though hikers are free to leave at any time. Archaeologist Julie Zimmermann will guide participants around lesser-known cultural areas of the site while discussing its natural elements. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and to bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

In addition, Native American storytellers Veronica Pipestem (Osage/Otoe-Missouria) and Chris Hill (Muscogee) will share stories from their culture from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Iseminger Auditorium.

Reservations are not required; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 618-346-5160 or visit online. Cahokia Mounds is located at 30 Ramey St., Collinsville off Interstate 255.

The gallery wing of the interpretive center remains closed due to construction.