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Constance’s Story
Constance's
Story Trail
847.433.6901 | 2821 Ridge Rd

Heller Nature Center
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Read & Walk Along the Trails

Constance’s Story Trail is made possible through a generous grant to the Parks Foundation by former Highland Park resident Marc Mar-Yohana in collaboration with Heller Nature Center and our extraordinary volunteers. This was Mar-Yohana’s touching tribute to his late daughter and to celebrate her love of nature and reading. Constance and her father had shared many joyous hours reading the books posted along Heller Nature Center’s story trail.

Featured books along the trail change seasonally and include some of Constance’s favorites books. Organizers also hope to offer a chance for local youth to display their writing.

Constance’s Story Trail is based on the StoryWalk® Project. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

About Constance

“It was something we always loved to do together,” said Mar-Yohana, explaining that Constance was on the autism spectrum and had difficulty with physical coordination and speaking. “The Nature Center really gave her a chance to exercise. She liked seeing the trees and shuffling her feet through the leaves in the fall and got excited watching squirrels running, birds flying by, and frogs jumping in the pond.”

The posted stories made their visits to Heller Nature Center even more rewarding since Constance’s ability to speak was at its best when reading aloud. “The books gave her an extra incentive to walk the full trail,” Mar-Yohana said. “Our goal in bringing it back is to make it last with the best available equipment. I really want other families to be able to enjoy it.”

Just Because

Featured Book

Just Because is a heart-warming picture book by Rebecca Elliott, telling the delightful story of a brother’s love for his sister.

‘My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.’

This charming picture book covers the issue of disability in a unique and beautiful celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate.

The brother delights in telling us about just how special his sister is and about all the fun things they do together.

This amusing and often touching story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate.

Just Because is the featured book during February-March 2025.

Questions?

Contact Us

Meghan
Meredith
Program Manager
847.579.4183
Mark
Bryant
Naturalist Teacher
847.579.4184
Phelicia
Jozwiak
Naturalist Teacher
847.579.4182
Cara
Wren
Office Coordinator
847.579.4181