Weekend events set at Cahokia Mounds

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COLLINSVILLE — Visitors to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site can join an archaeologist and a naturalist for a 3-mile nature/culture hike 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 28.

The trail through grassland, marsh and woodland environments will include explanations of how American Indians used various plants for food, medicine, dyes and construction materials. Participants will also learn what archaeologists have discovered at mound and village areas along the trail.

The Cahokia Mounds site, which was America’s first city, was built by people of the Mississippian culture 800-1,000 years ago. People should bring water and insect repellent; rain will cancel the hike.

Indian artifacts also will be discussed noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sep. 29, at the annual free Artifact Identification Day. Several archaeologists will be on hand to examine artifacts of stone, bone, shell, pottery or other material. No monetary appraisals will be given.