Language contains culture, history, stories and different ways to understand and explain the world in which we live.

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and Lake County Forest Preserves are emphasizing the importance of language to connecting with nature — and with each other — with a set of bilingual nature hikes and campfires throughout 2017. The hikes and campfires are free to attend and all are welcome. No registration is required.

The goal of the bilingual nature hikes and campfires is to bring people and nature together through language.

“As an environmental community, it’s vital we emphasize the importance of language to connecting with nature and with each other,” Brushwood Center’s Outreach Coordinator Marcela Alva said. “The bilingual hikes give our community a chance to learn about the local flora and fauna and socialize afterward with campfires and potlucks.”

Families, groups and individuals will learn about local plants, insects and animals in both English and Spanish, and get more familiar with the nature in and around their community.

Each hike takes place in Lake County and is staffed by a naturalist and a translator. The hikes are considered “easy” and are a quarter mile to a mile in length. All ages and abilities are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Ryerson Woods has a wheelchair/stroller-accessible trail.

The hikes and campfires are free to attend and are suitable for children, families, school and day care groups, camps, family service organizations, faith-based groups, community centers, park districts and anyone interested. Those who would like to attend as a group, or to incorporate a potluck or picnic into the hike, can contact Jackie Rockwell at (224) 633-2424.

Upcoming Bilingual Nature Hikes:

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Ryerson Woods;

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Greenbelt Forest Preserve;

• 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Ryerson Woods.

Ryerson Woods hikes meet at the Brushwood Center, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods.

Greenbelt Preserve hikes meet at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago.

For the complete 2017 Bilingual Nature Hike schedule, visit www.brushwoodcenter.org/Programs/Nature/BilingualHikes.html.