Kane Forest Preserve Outings So Far
November Outing: Silver Springs State Park, Sunday November 26, 2017
We hiked approximately 4 miles at the Silver Springs State Park.
For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Springs_State_Fish_and_Wildlife_Area.
August Outing: Prairie Green Property, Sunday August 27, 2017
This 40-acre property is part of the larger Prairie Green initiative to restore native prairie, enhance surface water quality and provide stormwater management in the Mill Creek watershed. Date/Time: Sunday, August 27, 10:00am
For more information about the Prairie Green Property, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=67.
April Outing: Otter Creek Forest Preserve, Sunday April 23, 2017
With its wet soils along Otter Creek, this preserve features tallgrass prairie and wetland vegetation. Rattlesnake master, compass plant, and gray-headed coneflower are just a few of the flowering plants that make up the prairie. We hiked about two miles along the trails.
For more information about the Oakhurst Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=36.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve, Saturday March 25, 2017
Oakhurst is a premier example of environmental restoration and a fine natural oasis in an urban setting. We hiked three miles along the woodland and lake trails.
For more information about the Oakhurst Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=35.
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, Sunday, February 26, 2017
At the Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve we hiked the 3.88 loop trail. We had a brutal wind-chill factor, but it still beat sitting around the house!
For more information about the Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=57.
Dick Young Forest Preserve, Sunday, January 22, 2017
Last month we hiked around Nelson Lake at the Dick Young Forest Preserve. In addition to the lake, the area features some of Kane County's finest wetlands, woodlands and prairie.
For more information about the Dick Young Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=14.
Fabyan Forest Preserve Volunteer Saturday, 12/31/2016
In the spirit of giving over the holiday season, our December outing was volunteering for the Kane County Forest Preserve work day at the Fabyan Forest Preserve.
The Natural Resources Committee of Geneva, in conjunction with the Kane County Forest Preserve and other environmental enthusiasts are continuing their efforts to remove buckthorn and honeysuckle at Fabyan Park Preserve in Geneva. The goal of this stewardship work is to remove invasive species so that native plants may again flourish below the mighty oaks on the property. If you would like to volunteer a bit of time, please come out and join the crew; the time spent is a wonderful way to help save an endangered ecosystem while learning about nature and engaging with other volunteers. Jay Womack, the site steward provides hand saws, loppers, snacks, and beverages.
We meet in the parking lot on Rte. 25, east side of the road (across from the windmill) just north of Fabyan Parkway. We start at 9am and work till noon. For more information, contact Jay at jay.womack@gza.com or by phone at 630.299.9945.
Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve, Sunday, November 27, 2016
Yes, we worked off some of that Thanksgiving feast on a hike at the Kenyon Farm Preserve in South Elgin. We did a loop around the pond. The preserve features rolling wooded hillsides and an archeological site.Date/Time: Sunday, November 27th, 10:00am
For more information about the Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=30.
Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, Sunday, October 30, 2016
We met at the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, located in a crook in the Fox River in South Elgin. This preserve features little wisps of original prairie remnants and exposed rock ledges and outcroppings. The weather was great and there were still some brilliant fall colors.
For more information about the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=6.
Hampshire Forest Preserve, Sunday, September 25, 2016
At the Hampshire Forest Preserve we hiked two and a half miles through its Oak-Hickory forest which blends into a tall grass prairie on the gentle slopes and a prairie wetland below. We will meet at the first shelter off of Allen Road.
For more information about the Hampshire Park Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=26.
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, Saturday, February 20, 2016
Our February outing was at the Glenwood Park Forest Preserve. Glenwood Park is a small preserve in Batavia with a special focus on the river and the trail, just below an old broken dam, which creates a series of rapids and riffles. We had a good turnout and saw some interesting winterfowl.
For more information about the Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=24.
Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, Sunday, November 22, 2015
In November we experienced Kane County's rich glacial topography as we hiked a snowy 2-1/2 miles through the Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve near Gilberts.
For more information about the Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=23.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve, Saturday, September 19, 2015
Our September Sierra Club outing was at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve, in Carpentersville. We hiked the trail along the river..
"This beautiful stretch of the Fox River was an instant success when it opened in 1988. The one mile long waterfront is a major attraction of this site and summer weekends are alive with visitors. Natural history interests include the hillsides away from the river that are lined with springs and seeps forming "hanging fens". "
For more information about the Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=22.
Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve, Saturday, August 29, 2015
We did a quick hike, less than a mile, at the Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve in St. Charles. This preserve is located along the east bank of the Fox River and includes a beautiful section of the Fox River Trail.
For more information about the Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=21.
Fitchie Forest Preserve, Saturday, July 25 2015
Our two mile hike at Fitchie Forest Preserve took us through a savannah woodland with a meandering creek and two acre pond.
For more information about the Fitchie Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=20.
Invasive species workday at Bliss Woods, Saturday May 23 2015
After a year of visiting and thoroughly enjoying the Kane County Forest Preserves, we thought that this month we would give back by volunteering at the Restoration Workday at Bliss Woods. We concentrated on removing invasive species, mainly garlic mustard.
For more information about Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=7.
Elburn Forest Preserve, Saturday April 18 2015
At the Elburn Forest Preserve we encountered some early wildflowers during our 2-mile hike through woods and grasslands. The preserve is a morainal, gravel hill at the county watershed divide, which separates the Fox and Kishwaukee River Basins. The historic limestone shelter was built during the depression from limestone salvaged from an Elburn Church.
For more information about the Elburn Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=15.
Dick Young Forest Preserve, Saturday March 21 2015
At the Dick Young Forest Preserve we welcomed spring by transitioning from roadway potholes to prairie potholes—they're much easier on your constitution! The preserve is named for naturalist Dick Young who helped spearhead the effort to conserve this land and its unique features. We hiked about three miles through the prairie portion, looping around Nelson Lake.
For more information about the Dick Young Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=14.
Campton Forest Preserve, Saturday, February 21, 2015
After a year of visiting one Kane County Forest Preserve per month (alphabetically), we have finally reached the "C"s! Campton is one of the District's earliest prairie restoration projects, bringing health back to the land and benefiting many kinds of wildlife. We hiked the outer perimeter 2.5 mile trail.
For more information about the Campton Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=12.
Brunner Family Forest Preserve and Buffalo Park Forest Preserve, January 24, 2015
Double the fun as we hiked two adjacent forest preserves for our January Hike. Starting with the Buffalo Park Forest Preserve, we hiked the .29 mile trail. Then at Brunner Family Forest Preserve we followed the Fourwinds Way Creek to the Fox River, approximately two miles. Acquired by the district in 2008, the area has been deemed some of the highest quality, unprotected habitat in the county.
For more information about the Brunner Family Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=73, and for more information about the Buffalo Park Forest Preserve go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=9.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove, December 13, 2014
For our winter "bliss" outing we hiked over the wetlands, through the woods, and over part of the Kaneville Esker at the Bliss Woods Forest Preserve.
For more information about Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=7.
Blackberry Maples and Grunwald Farms forest preserves in Elburn, November 8, 2014
On our Blackberry Maples and Grunwald Farms outing, we hiked the .86 mile Blackberry Maples loop, which features bird watching and wildlife observation in a variety of habitats, including a gently sloping prairie that transitions to a mature maple forest, quality fens, and sedge meadows. Then we hiked the 1.64 mile Grunwald Farms trail through oaks, hickorys and pines. We couldn't find the Great Blue Heron rookery.
For more information about the Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=5, and for Grunwald Farms go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=55.
Jan's Report
We had a great group that enjoyed brisk fall weather while hiking at two forest preserves, Blackberry Maples and Grunwald Farms.
Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve
We hiked along the perimeter of the prairie at this preserve, trying to locate the fens which appeared to be dry this time of year. We discussed the large historical loss of this ecosystem type, which makes the existing ones rare and crucial to protect. It takes up to 10,000 years to form one naturally.
While the prairie is the primary land type, we were able to walk through a small wooded section. Most of the surrounding woods are privately owned.
Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve
This preserve at 224 acres was much large than Blackberry Maples with a more varied habitat.
Above is a smaller fishing lake located in the north central part of the preserve. A large lake is featured near the entrance. It was made possible because Kaneland Sand and Gravel were required by law to do reclamation and stabilization for this gravel pit before selling it. They did all the work required to transform it into a lake feature for the preserve.
While providing beautiful color for the season, we later identified this as the invasive oriental bittersweet .
This appears to be the seed pod for the angel's trumpet or moonflower. Any confirmation of this is appreciated!
Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve in Elgin, August 9, 2014
On our Bowes Creek Woods outing, we hiked the 2.26 mile prairie loop trail, which features an oak grove and a creek, not to mention butterflies and song birds.
For more information about the Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=52.
Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock, July 12, 2014
On this rainy yet magical morning, we hiked the 1.25 mile loop trail around Seigler Lake, with beautiful views over the water.
For more information about the Big Rock Preserves, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=3.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, June 9, 2014
It was a perfect evening at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. We spotted many native plants in bloom, and quite a variety of birds.
Jan's Report
We had a beautiful evening hike, and while we at times seemed surrounded by invasive plant species, we delighted in seeing Great Angelica cropping up in spite of the surrounding reed canary grass. Nate and Mavis also treated us to close up views of a Cedar Waxwing and Oriole.
Some pics from Nate:
Barnes and Bliss Forest Preserves in Aurora, May 10, 2014
We visited two "B" forest preserves, Barnes and Bliss. Starting with Barnes, we explored the short trail along Blackberry Creek. Then, a longer hike through the woods along a portion of the same Kaneville Esker we visited in January to view the wildflowers in bloom.
For more information about the Barnes Forest Preserves, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=51 and for Bliss, http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=7.
Aurora West Forest Preserve in Aurora, April 12, 2014
The last in the "A" series of our forest preserve outings, Aurora West is a 716-acre property, and part of the historical “Sugar Grove” in the early years of Kane County. As an ecological mosaic of prairie, marsh, and woodland communities, this preserve supports a host of native animals.
For more information about the Aurora West Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=2.
Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve, March 8, 2014
The Arlene Shoemaker preserve is a wooded wetland "oasis" surrounded by urban development with plenty of evidence of wildlife. For more information about the Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve, go to http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=1.
Andersen Woods, February 8, 2014
Andersen Woods is part of a mixed forest along the Fox River Trail in St. Charles, and is included in the area know to the settlers as "little woods". We met at Norris Woods and walked along the trail until we reached Andersen Woods. The total hike was 2.8 miles.
Jan's Report
We had a hearty group for the February outing, which at 9 degrees was balmy compared to the previous "arctic vortex"! Tree identification focused on the following species with usual bark types, more easily discernible in the winter months.
Shagbark Hickory, with long peeling strips of bark.
Wild Black Cherry, with it's flaky bark
Hop hornsbeam, commonly known as Ironwood, featuring parallel vertical bark, open at each end.
The most interesting finding was a flicker, whose red feather patch stood out on this overcast day. While we attempted photos, it was moving elusively around the trees, so here is an example of what we saw.
Some pics from Nate:
Almon Underwood Prairie Forest Preserve, January 11, 2014
On January 11 we started by hiking the Almon Underwood Prairie Forest Preserve, whose .65-mile trail features a series of small undulating gravel knolls that are part of the Kaneville Esker. This is Illinois' longest esker, deposited here between 10 and 20 thousand years ago.
Jan's Report
We hiked the .65 mile trail on a brisk winter day with melting snow.
Almon Underwood is noted for preserving a portion of the Kaneville Esker. An esker is a snaking ridge formed from a stream that ran through or beneath a glacier. That stream became plugged with sand and gravel, which was left behind as the glacier melted. The Kaneville Esker is the largest in Illinois, or was before being mined for the gravel. We contrasted the site with the surrounding quarried area, and viewed a geographical map which shows how the once continuous esker has been chopped up like a snake with a machete (the esker is in orange on the map).
Click on map to view in more detail.
We stood on top of the portion of the esker being preserved at Almon Underwood
Still visible were deer, coyote, and possibly raccoon tracks, along with various scat contrasting with the white snow. Nate identified Blue Jay calls.
Some pics from Nate:
