Nature speaks loudly, Ever wonder how to listen? Join Lillian Holden, Openlands Water Trail Specialist, to learn the power birds, mussels, and fish have in helping scientists determine the water quality of Illinois Waterways. 

Participants will learn: 

(1) The definition of water quality.

(2) The definition of indicator species.

(3) How birds, fish, and mussels aid in identifying water quality.

(4) And will try their skill at identifying mussel shells. 

Jokingly coined the "Animal House" by distant relatives, Lillian Holden's care and intrigue for nature started at home at a very young age. Her father's desire to make sure Lillian and her siblings weren't afraid of nature, resulted in her braving through helping to feed and care for her dad's reptiles, arachnids, birds, fish, and more! Lillian Holden is a student, the Water Trail Specialist for Openlands, Black Birders Week Planning Committee Member, Chicago Audubon Board Member, and an Aspen Ideas Fellow 2023.