The Chicago River wasn’t the only body of water to turn green for St. Patrick’s Day.
At Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens in Palos Heights, volunteers and staff worked their magic, dyeing the waterfall a brilliant shade of emerald green in celebration of Irish heritage.
The waterfall, a popular attraction at the nature center, cascades over four separate falls, stretching more than 300 feet before flowing into the lake on the east side of the property. For one day each year, the rushing water transforms into a dazzling green spectacle, drawing families and community members to witness the event.
In attendance once again this year was Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz who said he would not miss it.
“This is just another event that we host here in town that makes Palos Heights enjoyable for all — both the young and the old,” Straz said. “We have built a foundation on the quality of life for our residents.”
The Douglas family, which has a rich history in the Palos Heights community, could not agree more, including Julie McMullin, granddaughter of Katherine Douglas, for whom Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens was named.
“We are a very close family, and we all come out to this every year together,” McMullin, of Orland Hills, said. “It’s very emotional for us.”
“This is a way to have some festive fun and to celebrate with my family,” Oliver Douglas, 9, of Palos Park, and great-great-great grandson of Katherine Douglas, said.
Using a biodegradable, pond-safe dye commonly used for tracing and pond studies, staff carefully placed the coloring on top of the water, creating the illusion of an enchanted transformation. The dye is sourced from multiple suppliers and is safe for wildlife and the surrounding habitat, said Gareth Blakesley, Lake Katherine’s operations manager.
“The dyeing of the waterfall is an annual event that brings us all together as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Blakesley said. “Having these community-based events is what everyone needs after the pandemic. There is a sense of camaraderie, especially watching a spectacle like the dyeing of the waterfall, where people can come and celebrate together.”
The event, which began about a decade ago, was inspired by a former operations manager of Irish descent who saw an opportunity to bring a festive touch to the nature center, Blakesley said.
After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the event returned stronger than ever with not just one, but two free dyeing sessions taking place in the morning and at lunchtime, giving families an ample opportunity to take part.
“The best part of this event is how much joy it brings to the young children in attendance who witness the water changing colors,” Blakesley said.
That was a highlight as well for Katie Schultz, who attended with her four children.
“We’ve come out to this event the past few years and it’s a beautiful way to celebrate,” Schultz, of Oak Lawn, said.
With clear skies and mild temperatures, the event gave residents a chance to gather outdoors and mark the holiday in a way that has become a neighborhood tradition in Palos Heights.
