Thursday – May 21, 2015
McKee Marsh
DuPage County, Illinois
One of our greatest pleasures while we are home, are our daily walks through the Blackwell Forest Preserve in DuPage County, located about 30 miles west of the city of Chicago.
The land on which the forest preserve resides, was shaped by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. The glaciers meltwaters left behind much of the soil that covers DuPage County today. After the glacier’s retreat, savannas with widely spaced oak trees formed on the higher ground while the lower-lying ground became home to marsh and prairie plants.
Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path.
One of our favorite trails is a circular trail around the McKee Marsh. This area features two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh. Our daily 4-mile walks take us through open fields of native prairie grasses, flowers and stands of towering oak forests. The sounds from birds singing and the wind gently weaving its way through the trees and prairie grass are soothing to the soul.
Tomorrow another adventure begins.
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