Reptiles in the 'hood, what are they?

Take this opportunity to become familiar with the reptiles of southern Illinois - turtles, lizards, snakes.

An Aug. 28 presentation called Reptiles in the Neighborhood will detail how to tell a venomous from a nonvenomous snake, is it a skink or a lizard, how to tell the difference between a male and female box turtle or painted turtles, why reptiles are important to an ecosystem, and much more.

Experience an up-close and personal interaction with reptiles native to southernmost Illinois. The one-hour program will be followed by an optional walk to look for coldblooded creatures along the Todd Fink- Heron Pond Trail.

The program begins at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Cache River State Natural Area, Cache River Wetlands Center, in Cypress, Illinois. Call the site interpreter at (618) 657-2064 for details.

Notice: There is a temporary road closure scheduled by IDOT for Aug. 28 and 29 on State Route 37 between Perks Road and State Route 169. If arriving from the south on State Route 37, Karnak or Grand Chain Way, detour via Normandy Road, Long Reach Road, Perks Road, to State Route 37.