°On a recent, misty, Saturday afternoon, I took a trek in a nearby woods. It was a murky walk on muddy paths over fallen trees; a route less traveled except by an army of mosquitoes attacking from all fronts. I had on my “cone of protection“, but, they found my skin just-the-same, especially my ankles and the meaty mounds of my aging forearms.
There was an eclectic collection of participants; citizen scientists of uncertain age, students of nature as well as history buffs and those interested in conservation efforts. A few younger participants, at least younger from my perspective, appeared to be summer interns who came armed with pens and intelligent questions and there were those with sophisticated cameras, sketch pads and notebooks.
We were at McDowell Grove and the subject of the presentation in the stone shelter and the walk was how this forest preserve came to be. It was private property a century or so ago. By the 1930’s, now a forest preserve, it took on a newer purpose. The stone shelter we met in was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which was part of FDR’s New Deal. A corp of men resided in a location not far from the shelter. They built bridges, as well as stone structures, fire pits, dams, and trails. It was later taken over by the military and the OSS. Today, it is a peaceful forest preserve, still growing and changing in its use and significance.
My mission being equal portions of curiosity and field work, I went to determine if this would be a fitting outing for my garden club, I found the tour fascinating with a lingering sense wonder at how much more I wanted to know.
This walk in the woods and presentation in the stone shelter were interesting and awakened my curiosity about how our forest preserve districts have come about, what other purposes they may have had, and curiosity over who walked the paths before us. It also increased my gratitude for the men and women who deeded their properties for public use and for the citizens who saw the value in preserving valuable tracts of land so that generations of those who love nature or will come to love nature will have a place to walk and wonder.
I live close to many of woods of the Forest Preserve Districts of Cook and Du Page County. They house nature centers and equestrian trails, bike trails for the casual ride through the woods as well as staging areas for mountain biking. Canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, groves for picnics and for family reunions, and now, even camping is allowed in some locations.
The State of Illinois, more often known for its crooked politicians, crime, prairies and skyscrapers, actually has more acres of forest preserve than most other states. These public places with acres upon acres of wonder and welcome are also places of both solitude and recreational gatherings. They provide safe harbor to wildlife and healthy living in equal measure for the weekend wanderer or the life-time outdoorsmen and women.
Have you been to a forest preserve or nature center lately?
Have you learned some new, historical, scientific, environmental?
I haven’t been recently, but I love going to Herrick Lake. It is a great place for a walk. Sadly, I don’t know that much about the area.
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While it is only about 30 minutes or so from me and I’m on I-88 and on Butterfield often, I have never been to Herrick Lake. I need to remedy that, L. Marie. I just found out about McDowell a few months ago. So glad to know I’m not too old to learn something new. 🙂
Do you think you’ll see the lego exhibit at the Morton Arboretum?
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I’d like to see it! I haven’t been to the Arboretum in awhile.
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It still blows my mind a little that this stuff exists in and around Chicago. I rode past one of these forest preserves with you, and yes, I saw your extensive deer population. There’s a stark beauty to every forest, especially when I let my eyes relax and smear everything together. Wish I could’ve been there to ramble with you.
I love the hat on the person in your photo. I’d wear it!!
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Isn’t it a great hat, Andra? She wore it well, as well as her age. I kept thinking I wanted to be like her when I grow up. 🙂
This preserve was really interesting and I thought of you; I think your creative mind would have been imagining the other lives that walked through here. It has it’s secrets (OSS/WWII) and I’m sure can give up many stories, besides its wondrous beauty.
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This was very interesting to me Penny. I live much of the year as you know in Florida and well… Everything you say about Illinois x many, plus the craziness of Miami Beach and Key West. And hurricanes. But our County has acres of wonderful parks and preserves and even land they have purchased within the city that is not accessible by people … Just to give the birds a chance. I just love that.
We have wonderful parklands and preserves in Oregon too, but somehow that is not such a surprise.
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I think we both live in states where crime and politics seem to go hand-in-hand (saw your comment below). Thank goodness for the nature preserves 🙂 and those who set aside the lands. That is interesting that there are areas just for birds – especially since you have so many migrating to Florida. I love that too.
By-the-way, I just read that Du Page County up here has a preserve for Sandhill Cranes. It is not too far from me (Willowbrook to all my friends in Du Page area). I need to check it out soon. I’m recalling your recent post with the Sandhill Cranes, Sallie.
Oregon has long been one of our states that truly values conservation and preservation. Not a surprise, but, so good to know. Thanks, Sallie.
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OF course I meant only to compare the crime rates and crooked politics of the two states, Florida doesn’t have prairies!
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Your forest preserve looks beautiful . Penny , you make everything look so special and desirable. I don’t like Mosquitos and could do without crooked politicians .
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Oh, Gerlinde, thank you. I only photograph the good stuff. 🙂 The mosquitoes and the crooked politicians are on about the same par.
I made your carrot salad last night. Yum.
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What a fabulous field trip for your garden club, Penny! I can see why it was a big draw to you in the first place. I love the opportunity to learn more about how something has come to be, and this forest preserve is very special to experience. I imagine it tells a greater story about our country, as well, knowing that at one time our wealthy barons of industry didn’t care if they took all the forests for their lumber! I’m also so interested in the Civilian Conservation Corps. I have been reading about it a bit recently as it connects to our series of Spanish missions. The CCC was important in preserving the mission buildings, especially post earthquakes. I have been to other forest preserves, but it has definitely been awhile! I just know this was of great interest to you, and isn’t it great to be among other citizen scientists. You were with your people, Penny! 🙂
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Thanks, Debra. I’m hoping to work something in for them. Right you are; it does tell a greater story. I was surprised, though I don’t why, to learn that so many of the structures here in forest preserves were built by the CCC. How interesting their role in preserving the missions. It would be fascinating to learn what the CCC did regionally. We tend to think of them and the national forests, but, they did good work in preserving locally as well and then, many adapted to war work. If they did here in the midwest, I know they must have on the west coast.
Ha! Yes, I was with my people. Love it!
You and I could have a lot of fun together, my friend. Citizen scientists/history buffs/ and sleuthing. 🙂
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This sounds like such an interesting event and I didn’t know we had more forest preserves than other states! It’s good to know and such a treasure to have in a world of suburban sprawl.
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We do, Janet. It’s based on acreage, but, we have a lot of preserves. I’ve become more aware of it living where we do now, but, everyone in your town knows Fullersburg, and the CCC was there, building the bridge, I think the dam, and at least one of the buildings. We really are fortunate. 🙂
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How wonderful to live in a state with so many forests in it. I feel a nice sense of adventure in this post.
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Thank you, Juliet – and it was an adventure. I’m forever amazed at the new wonders that keep coming my way.
We are such an industrialized state and as well as a agricultural state. I often feel so very fortunate that others had the foresight to protects the forests and the prairies that were natural here.
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Such an interesting adventure, Penny! Your black & white photo is just stunning! It is so fascinating to explore the history, both natural and manmade, in our forest preserves. We also love the Fabyan Forest Preserve, in Geneva, for it’s natural beauty and wonderful history. Thanks so much sharing McDowell Grove. We haven’t been there {yet}, and will add it to our growing list of ‘Penny’s Wonderful Places to Visit!’ I wonder where you will take us next???? Have a wonderful weekend, Penny! ♡
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Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate your kind words.
Fabyan Forest Preserve has been on my list for the longest time. I hope to make a visit happen yet this summer.
I’ve really been interested lately in the Forest Preserve District of Du Page County. They are celebrating 100 years and have a lot of activities and news this year. I just realized today that they are selling honey. I think at Kline Creek. There are a number of preserves that housed the CCC – and we still benefit from those efforts.
Hang tight. I’m about to take you all on an estate tour on the North Shore. 🙂
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You will LOVE the Fabyan Forest Preserve, Penny! Do check their website before you go to find out when the Japanese Garden is open. It is often closed for weddings, etc. Still, it is lovely to peek over the fence at the garden. We always seem to go spur-of-the-moment, and haven’t been able to walk through the Japanese Garden. There are also special hours to tour the Villa (redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright) and the wonderful windmill. Can’t wait to see the North Shore estates!! ♡
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Thank you, Dawn. You have painted a wonderful garden picture of Fabyan and the Japanese Garden. Thanks for the tip to check first to see if the Japanese Garden is open. Sounds like a great place to spend the entire day.
You probably know, but, there are two Open Days gardens this Sunday. One is Mettawa Manor.
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