Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 09/29/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
September 29, 2016
“Chicago nature info and news to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
The Autumn Prairie: A Mosaic of Colors & Textures
We’re a little over a week into autumn and it’s finally starting to feel like fall. The prairies are the first habitats to display autumn color in the foliage. And with the many asters currently in bloom, the prairie becomes a beautiful mosaic of colors and textures. You may experience towering waves of red-stemmed grasses and tawny, fluffy spikes of gayfeather that glow in the sunlight. In one small patch of prairie, it’s common to see more color than any autumn woodland in the region: oranges, golds, reds, maroons, cyans, browns, and tans. And, before they fade, don’t forget to look for the ethereal blue and purple gentians. Here’s a list of prairies (and savannas) that are looking really nice and that you can visit throughout the fall season:
- Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois: Visit the sand prairie using the trail to the east.
- Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois: Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- Lake in the Hills Fen: Visit to experience the fens, fringed gentians, and a grand grassland expanse.
- Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin: This is a beautiful prairie to see an array of changing colors, along with fringed and prairie gentians.
- Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois: This is another place that feels like an escape.
- Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie in Glenview, Illinois: Though this is not an officially featured preserve on this website, visit now to see all three gentians in bloom—bottle, prairie, and fringed.
- Theodore Stone Preserve: There are two different prairies here, a mesic prairie on the west side of the preserve (near the main entrance) and a dolomite (limestone) prairie on the east side.
- Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, Illinois: This is a beautiful prairie very close to Chicago’s city limits.
- Powderhorn Prairie: This is the most biodiverse site within the city limits of Chicago.
- Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin: Visit to see the tall grasses and fringed gentians.
- Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, Illinois: You can take a nice long walk here.
- Shoe Factory Road Prairie in Hoffman Estates, Illinois: Hike this hill prairie and the large grassland at its base.
- Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois: This prairie offers a hundreds of species and a wonderful mix of colors and textures.
Gentians Galore (while they last)
Gentians have a transcendent, otherworldly beauty. Look closely for some combination of prairie, fringed, and bottle gentians at Lake in the Hills Fen, Wolf Road Prairie, Somme Prairie Grove, Powderhorn Prairie, Chiwaukee Prairie, and Belmont Prairie.
Asters Mark the End of the Blooming Season
In Ancient Greek, “aster” meant “star,” which makes sense because the blooms of the aster species resemble stars. Think of daisies, but much smaller, with colors that range from white and blue to pink and purple. Right now, many species of aster can be found in our prairies and savannas.
Ferns & Canyon Tours
In fall, ferns change into wardrobes of gold and brown. Check out these preserves where ferns are most prevalent: Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana). If you’d like to experience a lush, fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois to sign up for their next canyon tour.
PHOTO SECTION
Gentians Galore (while they last)
At Powderhorn Prairie in Chicago, Illinois, blue bottle gentians survive under the shadow of taller plants in the late-summer prairie.*
Bottle gentian (or closed gentian) is fully dependent on bumblebees for its survival. The petals of this unusual flower are effectively closed to other insects, but the strong bumblebee is able to muscle its way in through the tip. Late in the season, when fewer plants are blooming, bottle gentian relies on the slim pickings for pollination, hoping bumblebees won’t mind the extra effort.*
This is the time when the beauty of bottle gentians are at their most transcendent. When I first set eyes upon these fading blooms at Belmont Prairie, I was taken aback, struck by an arrow through my heart. Instantly, I fell in love with the prettiest flowers I had ever seen. Maybe I was just having one of those days, but I was close to tears.*
Here at Chiwaukee Prairie, the glorious fringed gentian blooms in late September. However, the flowers are not open all the time. They plant is diurnal, meaning that the the blooms only open up with the sun and are closed at night and, sometimes, on cloudy days. Unlike many prairie species that are perennials, fringed gentian is an annual.*
Asters Mark the End of the Blooming Season
New England aster is just one of the many species of aster that bloom this time of year.*
Ferns & Canyon Tours
My favorite part of Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve is the trail that winds beneath the black oaks of the savanna. Here, ferns begin to don the colors of autumn.*
Get ready, this scene is not far off in the future. Prepare to visit Cowles Bog Trail at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for acrobatic cinnamon ferns take hold in the soggy ground of Cowles Bog, which is not a bog at all but, rather, a wetland known as a fen.*
These fern-lined walls will soon be turning color at Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up quickly.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 09/23/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
September 23, 2016
“Chicago nature info and news to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
Changing Colors of the Prairie
Now that it’s officially autumn, the prairies are the first habitats to change color. Last week, giant sawtooth sunflowers reigned supreme across the region. This week, they have greatly faded. Many varieties of asters remain in bloom and you should be able to find them in almost any of our local prairies. Ethereal gentians are still hanging on, but they aren’t as common. Also prominent in the autumn prairie are towering waves of red-stemmed grasses. Here’s a list of prairies that are looking good:
- Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois: Visit the sand prairie using the trail to the east.
- Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois: Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- Lake in the Hills Fen: Visit to experience the fens and the grand prairie expanse of grasses and flowers, including fringed gentians.
- Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin: This is a beautiful prairie in September.
- Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois: This is another place that feels like an escape.
- Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie in Glenview, Illinois: Though this is not an officially featured preserve on this website, visit now to see all three gentians in bloom—bottle, prairie, and fringed.
- Theodore Stone Preserve: There are two different prairies here, a mesic prairie on the west side of the preserve (near the main entrance) and a dolomite (limestone) prairie on the east side.
- Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, Illinois: This is a beautiful prairie very close to Chicago’s city limits.
- Powderhorn Prairie: This is the most biodiverse site within the city limits of Chicago.
- Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin: Visit to see the tall grasses, golden blooms, and fringed gentians.
- Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, Illinois: You can take a nice long walk here.
- Shoe Factory Road Prairie in Hoffman Estates, Illinois: Hike this hill prairie and the large grassland at its base.
- Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois: This prairie offers a hundreds of species and a wonderful mix of colors and textures.
Gentians Galore
These are not flowers that fill the landscape, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Look closely for some combination of prairie, fringed, and bottle gentians at Lake in the Hills Fen, Wolf Road Prairie, Somme Prairie Grove, Powderhorn Prairie, Chiwaukee Prairie, and Belmont Prairie.
Asters Mark the End of the Blooming Season
In Ancient Greek, “aster” meant “star,” which makes sense because the blooms of the aster species resemble stars. Think of daisies, but much smaller, with colors that range from white and blue to pink and purple. Right now, many species of aster can be found in our prairies and savannas.
Hummingbirds Galore
Yes, the hummingbirds are still around. You can find them humming about at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at the nature center and south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns & Canyon Tours
In fall, ferns start turning yellow and brown. Check out these preserves where ferns are most prevalent: Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana). If you’d like to experience a lush, fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois to sign up for their next canyon tour.
PHOTO SECTION
Gentians Galore!
At Powderhorn Prairie in Chicago, Illinois, blue bottle gentians survive under the shadow of the dense September prairie, where plants, like this sawtooth sunflower, can tower twelve feet into the air.*
Bottle gentian (or closed gentian) is fully dependent on bumblebees for its survival. The petals of this unusual flower are effectively closed to other insects, but the strong bumblebee is able to muscle its way in through the tip. Late in the season, when fewer plants are blooming, bottle gentian relies on the slim pickings for pollination, hoping bumblebees won’t mind the extra effort.*
This is the time when the beauty of bottle gentians are at their most transcendent. When I first set eyes upon these fading blooms at Belmont Prairie, I was taken aback, struck by an arrow through my heart. Instantly, I fell in love with the prettiest flowers I had ever seen. Maybe I was just having one of those days, but I was close to tears.*
Gorgeous fringed gentians bloom in September. However, the flowers are diurnal, meaning that the the blooms only open up with the sun and are closed at night and, sometimes, on cloudy days. Unlike many prairie species that are perennials, fringed gentian is an annual.*
Asters Mark the End of the Blooming Season
New England aster is just one of the many species of aster that bloom this time of year.*
Ferns & Canyon Tours
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up quickly.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 09/16/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
September 16, 2016
“Chicago nature info and news to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
Visit Chicago’s prairies and savannas to experience the sights and also the smells.
September—The Season of Gold (and much more!)
The season of gold is at its climax this week as giant sawtooth sunflowers reach peak bloom. They’re joined by many species of goldenrod and aster. You’ll also find tower waves of red-stemmed grasses dancing in the prairie winds. Here’s a short list of the many preserves you should try to visit:
- Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois: Great expanses of sawtooth sunflowers that measure up to twelve feet tall, along with goldenrods and asters.
- Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois: Sawtooth sunflowers are everywhere! Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois: This preserve is magic, lush with rough blazing star, western sunflowers, and asters.
- Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois: This is another place that feels like an escape.
- Theodore Stone Preserve: The mesic prairie on the west side of the preserve (near the main entrance) is tall with grasses and sawtooth sunflowers.
- Lake in the Hills Fen: Visit to experience the fens and the grand prairie expanse of grasses and flowers, including fringed gentians.
- Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, Illinois: This is a very pretty prairie very close to the city limits of Chicago.
- Powderhorn Prairie: This is the most biodiverse site within the city limits of Chicago.
- The large prairie connecting with Shoe Factory Road Prairie: Take a nice long walk through the tall grasses and the golden flowers.
- Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin: Visit to see the tall grasses and golden blooms.
- Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin: This is a beautiful prairie in September.
Gentians, Gentians, Gentians!
These are not flowers that fill the landscape, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Look closely for some combination of prairie, fringed, and bottle gentians at Lake in the Hills Fen, Wolf Road Prairie, Somme Prairie Grove, Powderhorn Prairie, Chiwaukee Prairie, and Belmont Prairie.
Asters, Asters, Asters!
In Ancient Greek, “aster” meant “star,” which makes sense because the blooms of the aster species resemble stars. Think of daisies, but much smaller, with colors that range from white and blue to pink and purple. Right now, many species of aster can be found at nature preserves around the region.
Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds!
The hummingbirds are still around and should be for the next couple of weeks. You can find them buzzing about at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at the nature center and south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns & Canyon Tours!
Once again, Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns. And they’re starting to change to their fall colors. If you’d like to experience a beautiful fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois and sign up for their next canyon tour.
See a Summer Sunset:
Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois is sensational for sunsets, as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
PHOTO SECTION
September—The Season of Gold (and much more!)
In one of the last dramatic displays of the summer season, sawtooth sunflowers bloom in expanses of towering gold at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois.*
Gentians, Gentians, Gentians!
At Powderhorn Prairie in Chicago, Illinois, blue bottle gentians survive under the shadow of the dense September prairie, where plants, like this sawtooth sunflower, can tower twelve feet into the air.*
Bottle gentian (or closed gentian) is fully dependent on bumblebees for its survival. The petals of this unusual flower are effectively closed to other insects, but the strong bumblebee is able to muscle its way in through the tip. Late in the season, when fewer plants are blooming, bottle gentian relies on the slim pickings for pollination, hoping bumblebees won’t mind the extra effort.*
Gorgeous fringed gentians bloom in September. However, the flowers are diurnal, meaning that the the blooms only open up with the sun and are closed at night and, sometimes, on cloudy days.*
Asters, Asters, Asters!
New England aster is just one of the many species of aster that bloom this time of year.*
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns and Canyon Tours!
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, you’ll find many species of fern. Here, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up quickly.*
Visit the Tallgrass Prairie
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
Check Out the Sunsets at Saganashkee Slough
Relax with a golden sunset at Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 09/08/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
September 8, 2016
“Chicago nature info to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
Fall is upon us! Get out into the prairies and savannas to see and to smell all that Chicago nature has to offer.
September—The Season of Gold (and much more!)
In the first half of September, the prairies and savannas turn to gold with various species of goldenrod and sunflower-like plants. You’ll also find tower waves of red-stemmed grasses dancing in the prairie winds. And, right now, some prairies offer wonderful purple displays of rough blazing star. Here’s a short list of the many preserves you should try to visit:
- Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois: This preserve is magic, lush with rough blazing star, western sunflowers, and the start of the aster blooms. If I only had one place to choose, this is it!
- Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois: Lots of sawtooth sunflower and goldenrod.
- Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois: Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois: This is another place that feels like an escape.
- Theodore Stone Preserve: The mesic prairie on the west side of the preserve (near the main entrance) is tall with grasses and yellow flowers. However, it’s the east prairie where the magic is happening. There is a glorious little patch of rough blazing star, little bluestem, goldenrod, and a delicate, low grass—a scene that simply steals my heart. It’s a very special and delicate spot, so please stay on the trail.
- Lake in the Hills Fen: Visit to experience the fens and the great expanse of grasses and flowers, including purple rough blazing star. The vastness of this preserve will make you feel like you’ve gotten away from it all.
- Fermilab Prairie in Batavia, Illinois: This expansive prairie currently features towering tall grasses, prairie dock, compass plant. I measured one prairie dock plant along the trail to be ten-and-a-half feet tall!
- Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, Illinois: This is a very pretty prairie very close to the city limits of Chicago.
- Shoe Factory Road Prairie and the much lager prairie to the south and east: The hill prairie known as Shoe Factory Road Prairie is very small, but very much worth the visit to see the rough blazing star and goldenrods. The larger prairie is great for a long walk through the tall grasses and the golden flowers.
- Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin: Visit to see the tall grasses and various yellow blooms.
- Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park, Illinois: Great for rough blazing star and field goldenrod.
Bottle Gentians (or Closed Gentians)
These are not flowers that fill the landscape, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Look closely and you’ll find them at Lake in the Hills Fen, Wolf Road Prairie, Somme Prairie Grove, Powderhorn Prairie, and Belmont Prairie.
Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds!
The hummingbirds are still around and should be for the next couple of weeks. You can find them buzzing about at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at the nature center and south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns & Canyon Tours
Once again, Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns. And they’re starting to change to their fall colors. If you’d like to experience a beautiful fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois and sign up for their next canyon tour.
See a Summer Sunset:
Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois is sensational for sunsets, as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
PHOTO SECTION
September—The Season of Gold (and much more!)
Morning late summer light strikes the tops of indian grass, western sunflower, and rough blazing star at the sand prairie along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois.
September at Wolf Road Prairie gives proof of nature’s comfort, as sawtooth sunflower and obedient plant tangle in a glorious embrace.*
Bottle Gentians (or Closed Gentians)
At Powderhorn Prairie in Chicago, Illinois, blue bottle gentians survive under the shadow of the dense September prairie, where plants, like this sawtooth sunflower, can tower twelve feet into the air.
Bottle gentian (or closed gentian) is fully dependent on bumblebees for its survival. The petals of this unusual flower are effectively closed to other insects, but the strong bumblebee is able to muscle its way in through the tip. Late in the season, when fewer plants are blooming, bottle gentian relies on the slim pickings for pollination, hoping bumblebees won’t mind the extra effort.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns & Canyon Tours
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, you’ll find many species of fern. Here, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up quickly.*
Visit the Tallgrass Prairie
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
Check Out the Summer Sunsets at Saganaskee Slough
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 09/02/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
September 2, 2016
Labor Day Edition
“Chicago nature info to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
September—The Season of Gold (and Much More)
In the first half of September, the prairies turn to gold with various species of goldenrod and sunflower-like plants. You’ll also find tower waves of red-stemmed grasses dancing in the prairie winds. And, right now, some prairies offer wonderful purple displays of rough blazing star. Here’s a short list of the many prairies you should try to visit:
- Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois: Go to their annual Prairie Fest on Saturday, Sept. 3rd from 11 to 4. It’s a really nice event, which includes a birds of prey show and prairie tours. I’m going to lead a tour at 2:30.
- Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois: Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- Theodore Stone Preserve: The mesic prairie on the west side of the preserve (near the main entrance) is tall with grasses and yellow flowers. However, it’s the east prairie where the magic is happening. There is a glorious little patch of rough blazing star, little bluestem, goldenrod, and a delicate, low grass—a scene that simply steals my heart. It’s a very special and delicate spot, so please stay on the trail.
- Lake in the Hills Fen: Visit to experience the fens and the great expanse of grasses and flowers, including purple rough blazing star. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve gotten away.
- Fermilab Prairie in Batavia, Illinois: This expansive prairie currently features towering tall grasses, prairie dock, compass plant. I measured one prairie dock plant along the trail to be ten-and-a-half feet tall!
- Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, Illinois: This is a very pretty prairie very close to the city limits of Chicago.
- Shoe Factory Road Prairie and the much lager prairie to the south and east: The hill prairie known as Shoe Factory Road Prairie is very small, but very much worth the visit to see the rough blazing star and goldenrods. The larger prairie is great for a long walk through the tall grasses and the golden flowers.
- Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin: Visit to see the tall grasses and various yellow bloom, but also to see the great show of rough blazing star on the “switchback” kame in the north-central portion of the preserve. Use the glossary to learn about what a “kame” is.) Note: The trails are very narrow and overgrown, which makes it hard to always know which way to go. Just do your best. If you accidentally find yourself off trail, don’t blame yourself. Blame the land managers who aren’t doing their jobs.
- Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois: The preserve is lush with rough blazing star and western sunflower. This place is a wonder to behold even when nothing’s blooming!
Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds!
The hummingbirds are still around and should be for the next couple of weeks. You can find them buzzing about at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at the nature center and south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns Plus Canyon Tours!
Once again, Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns—in celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics. If you’d like to experience a beautiful fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois and sign up for their next canyon tour.
See a Summer Sunset
Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois is sensational for sunsets, as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
PHOTO SECTION
September—The Season of Gold (and Much More)
September at Wolf Road Prairie gives proof of nature’s comfort, as sawtooth sunflower and obedient plant tangle in a glorious embrace.*
Early September light strikes the tops of Indian grass, golden western sunflower, and rough blazing star in the sand prairie along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, Illinois.*
The dolomite prairie on the eastern side of Theodore Stone Preserve reminds me of a planned garden or springtime in the desert, where each plant is given its own space to grow. But instead of a separation of lifeless mulch or sand, here, rough blazing star and little bluestem are connected by a downy, green veil of mysterious grass.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns Plus Canyon Tours!
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, you’ll find many species of fern. Here, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up quickly.*
Visit the Tallgrass Prairie
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
Check Out the Summer Sunsets at Saganaskee Slough
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 08/26/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
August 26, 2016
“Chicago nature info and news to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago Nature, right now!
Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds!
Hummingbirds are migrating and you can find them buzzing in profusion at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at the nature center and south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns Plus Canyon Tours!
Again, Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns—in celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics. If you’d like to experience a beautiful fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon and sign up for their next canyon tour.
Visit a Tallgrass Prairie
The colors of the prairie are in a lull but will soon be shining with gold. Still, this is the perfect time to see a tallgrass prairie, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of tall grasses. Big bluestem with its purple tassels and Indian grass and its tawny feathery plume can rise eight feet into the air. Here are some local tallgrass prairies:
- Spears Woods‘ prairies feature a nice display of tall grasses including Indian grass with feathery heads and miniature yellow flowers. Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- In addition to a soaring expanse of tall grasses, Fermilab Prairie currently offers towering forests prairie dock and compass plant. I measured one prairie dock plant at ten-and-a-half feet tall!
- The connecting prairie to the south of Shoe Factory Road Prairie offers a long walk through the tall grass. Rough blazing star is blooming now, too.
- Theodore Stone Preserve‘s prairie to the west of the preserve (the main entrance) is tall with grasses. On the east side dolomite prairie, look for patches of rough blazing star.
- Bluff Spring Fen‘s prairie offers a great display rough blazing star on the “switchback” kame in the north-central portion of the preserve. Use the glossary to learn about what a “kame” is.) Along the prairie trails, you can find yourself engulfed under big bluestem and Indian grass. The oak savanna at the entrance of the preserve features the tall plants of sweet Joy-Pye weed and golden wingstem. Note: The trails are very narrow and overgrown, which makes it hard to always know which way to go. Just do your best. If you accidentally find yourself off trail, don’t blame yourself. Blame the land managers who aren’t doing their jobs.
- At Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois, look for towering forests of compass plants.
See a Summer Sunset:
Saganashkee Slough is sensational for sunsets as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
PHOTO SECTION
Sample photos of the ferns in some northwest Indiana preserves (from previous years):
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, there are many different species of fern. Here, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see it if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours. Register soon. They fill up fast.*
Example tallgrass prairie photo:
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
Check out the summer sunsets at Saganaskee Slough:
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 08/19/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
August 19, 2016
This Chicago nature info helps you discover the region’s finest natural wonders. Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds!:
Hummingbirds are migrating and you can find them buzzing in profusion at many nature centers including: Sagawau Canyon, Pilcher Park (at nature center and are south of the greenhouse), and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Ferns, Ferns, Ferns!:
Again, Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns—in celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics. If you’d like to experience a beautiful fern-lined canyon, call Sagawau Canyon and sign up for their next canyon tour.
Visit a Tallgrass Prairie:
The colors of the prairie are in a lull but will soon be shining with gold. Still, this is the perfect time to see a tallgrass prairie, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of tall grasses. Big bluestem with its purple tassels and Indian grass and its tawny feathery plume can rise eight feet into the air. Here are some local tallgrass prairies:
- Spears Woods‘ prairies feature a nice display of tall grasses including Indian grass with feathery heads and miniature yellow flowers. Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies.
- In addition to a soaring expanse of tall grasses, Fermilab Prairie currently offers towering forests prairie dock and compass plant. I measured one prairie dock plant at ten-and-a-half feet tall!
- The connecting prairie to the south of Shoe Factory Road Prairie offers a long walk through the tall grass.
- Theodore Stone Preserve‘s prairie to the west of the preserve (the main entrance) is tall with grasses.
- Bluff Spring Fen‘s prairie offers a great display of cylindrical and rough blazing star on the “switchback” kame in the north-central portion of the preserve. The cylindrical species is at the end of its bloom while the rough variety is just beginning its run. (Use the glossary to learn about what a “kame” is.) Along the prairie trails, you can find yourself engulfed under big bluestem and Indian grass. The oak savanna at the entrance of the preserve features the tall plants of sweet Joy-Pye weed and golden wingstem. Note: The trails are very narrow and overgrown, which makes it hard to always know which way to go. Just do your best. If you accidentally find yourself off trail, don’t blame yourself. Blame the land managers who aren’t doing their jobs.
- At Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois, look for towering forests of compass plants.
Visit a Woodland:
Somme Prairie Grove‘s woodland is looking good, but reaching the end of its bloom of sunflower-like plants.
See a Summer Sunset:
Saganashkee Slough is sensational for sunsets as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
Sample photos of the ferns in some northwest Indiana preserves (from previous years):
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Lush ferns line the walls of Sagawau Canyon in Lemont, Illinois. But you can only see them if you sign up for their upcoming canyon tours.*
Example tallgrass prairie photos:
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
This is an example of what you will find at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois:
At Somme Prairie Grove, pale-leaved sunflowers surround this majestic bur oak in the savanna.*
Check out the summer sunsets at Saganashkee Slough:
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 08/10/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
August 10, 2016
This Chicago nature information helps you discover the region’s finest natural wonders. Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!:
Cowles Bog Trail, Miller Woods, and Hoosier Prairie (all in northwestern Indiana) are jumping with gymnastic ferns—in celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Visit a Tallgrass Prairie:
This is a great time to learn why many of Chicago’s prairies are defined as “tallgrass prairies.” Visit a tallgrass prairie and you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of tall grasses that reach for the sun. Big bluestem with its purple tassels and Indian grass and its tawny feathery plume can rise eight feet into the air. Here are some local tallgrass prairies:
Fermilab Prairie is also showing offer towering prairie dock, compass plant, and tall coreopsis. I measured one prairie dock stem at ten-and-a-half feet tall!
Spears Woods‘ prairies are looking great. There are stands of tall grasses, but the prairie is really featuring the forbs (flowering plants) right now: purple and gold, prairie blazing star, ironweed, big bluestem, early goldenrod, and pale-leaved sunflower span the prairie landscape. The purple tassels of big bluestem are flowering, but time is running out. (See picture below.) In the woods, you’ll find great stands of sweet Joe-Pye Weed and pale-leaved sunflowers. Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies. To see the sweet Joe-Pye Weed in the woodland with a view of Hogwash Slough to the southwest, visit this spot along the trail.
Shoe Factory Road Prairie is a hill prairie with a fine display of cylindrical blazing star, but it’s too dry to allow the really tall grasses to thrive. However, the vast prairie to its south certainly does and, unlike the tiny hill prairie, you can spend hours hiking the trails here.
Theodore Stone Preserve‘s prairie to the west is tall with grasses where you’ll find delicate yellow blooms of partridge pea, a fairly uncommon plant.
Bluff Spring Fen‘s prairie is a glorious display of cylindrical blazing star on the “switchback” kame in the north-central portion of the preserve. (Use the glossary to learn about what a “kame” is.) Along the prairie trails, you may find yourself engulfed under soaring big bluestem grass. If you go early in the morning, it’s dewy and one pioneer once said, “Walking through a dewy stand of big bluestem is like jumpin’ in the creek.” I can vouch for that. The oak savanna at the entrance of the preserve features the tall plants of sweet Joy-Pye weed and golden wingstem.
Note: The trails are very narrow and overgrown, which makes it hard to always know which way to go. Just do your best. If you accidentally find yourself off trail, don’t blame yourself. Blame the land managers who aren’t doing their jobs.
Kickapoo Prairie is definitely worth checking out, though I have not set eyes on the preserve this week. The odds are it’ll be just fine.
Visit a Wondrous Woodland:
Somme Prairie Grove‘s woodland is in bloom, with sweet Joe-Pye Weed, pale-leaved sunflower, brown-eyed Susan, and Indian plantain.
See a Superb Sunset:
Saganashkee Slough is sensational for sunsets as our celestial star—a bright, burning brass ball—slowly sinks in the sky to start a sultry summer eve.
Sample photos of the ferns in some northwest Indiana preserves (from previous years):
Royal ferns in the light fog of the savanna at Hoosier Prairie in Schererville, Indiana.*
In the Cowles Bog area, a forest of royal ferns thrives in a wetland that has formed at the base of a high dune.*
Example tallgrass prairie photos:
Big bluestem grass gives the true meaning to the term “tallgrass prairie.”*
The prairies at Spears Woods are tallgrass prairies, but you don’t see many grasses in this photo. The term “tallgrass” doesn’t mean that most of the plants in the prairie are tall grasses. In fact, there are many more flowering plants than grasses in a tallgrass prairies. “Tallgrass” simply distinguishes between shortgrass prairies in the western United States, where their grass grass species are much shorter.*
This is an example of what you will find at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois:
At Somme Prairie Grove, pale-leaved sunflowers surround this majestic bur oak in the savanna. You can also find a vast display of this flower at Wolf Road Prairie.*
In the open woodland at Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois, summer brings tall blooms of sweet Joe-Pye weed.
Beautiful things can be found in the miniature, like the flowering tassels of big bluestem grass:
Look carefully for the yellow (or amber) flowers atop the tassels of the big bluestem grasses. Do they have a smell?*
Check out the summer sunsets at Saganaskee Slough:
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves on this website.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 08/04/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
August 4, 2016
“Chicago nature news & info to help you discover the region’s finest natural wonders.”
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, right now!
Spears Woods is currently the best preserve to visit. Purple and gold, prairie blazing star, ironweed, big bluestem, early goldenrod, and pale-leaved sunflower span the prairie landscape. Big bluestem grass, with its purple tassel, is starting to flower. (See picture below.) In the woods, you’ll find great stands of sweet Joe-Pye Weed and woodland sunflowers, along with many species of mushrooms that have emerged as a result of our recent rains. Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies. To see the sweet Joe-Pye Weed in the woodland and a view of Hogwash Slough to the southwest, visit this spot along the trail.
Somme Prairie Grove‘s woodland is in bloom, with sweet Joe-Pye Weed, woodland sunflower, brown-eyed Susan, and Indian plantain.
Fermilab Prairie is a great place to visit, but not for the colors. Come for the towering sea of towering big blue stem grass and skyward bound flowers of prairie dock, compass plant, and tall coreopsis. I measured one prairie dock stem at ten-and-a-half feet tall!
Bluff Spring Fen looks good in the savanna, with sweet Joy-Pye weed and tall, golden wingstem. The prairie is mostly in transition with very little color, except for the wonderful display of cylindrical blazing star on the “switchback” kame in the north-central portion of the preserve. Don’t know what a kame is? Learn about it in the glossary.
Saganashkee Slough is always great for summer sunsets.
PHOTO SECTION
Here are sample photos of blazing star (from previous years):
At Spears Woods in Willow Springs, Illinois, the prairie offers great color*.
Spears Woods’ finest show is happening right now in its prairies, as blazing stars shoot toward the sky.*
This is an example of what you will find at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois:
At Somme Prairie Grove, woodland sunflowers surround this majestic bur oak in the savanna. You can also find a vast display of this flower at Wolf Road Prairie.*
Beautiful things can be found in the miniature, like the flowering tassels of big bluestem grass:
Look for the tiny flowers on the tassel of big bluestem grass.*
Check out the summer sunsets at Saganaskee Slough:
On this sweltering, sultry afternoon, a golden sun sets over Saganashkee Slough in Palos Hills, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
—Mike
Chicago Nature Now! Alert – 07/28/2016
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
July 28, 2016
Here’s what’s happening in Chicago nature, Right Now!:
The prairies and woodlands are screaming with color. They’re all so great that I can’t pick a favorite.
Spears Woods offers a tremendous show of prairie blazing star in its prairies and woodland sunflowers at prairie edges and open woodlands. The prairie features rattlesnake master, wild quinine, mountain mint, and more. Click here for the location of the trailhead that goes west into the prairies. To experience the tall and feathery sweet Joe-Pye Weed in the woodland, with nice view of Hogwash Slough to the southwest, visit this spot along the trail.
Wolf Road Prairie has the best show of blazing star that I’ve ever seen. Usually, they’re scattered about, but not this year. There are thousands that are mixed in with yellow coneflower, prairie dock, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, and Culver’s root. And, new this week is the towering show of woodland sunflowers along 31st Street. Just wonderful!
Kickapoo Prairie is rich with yellow coneflower, rattlesnake master, compass plant, and wild bergamot. And this is just the beginning of the show, as there are fields of tall blazing star that are about to erupt into purple explosions. I strongly urge you to visit this preserve in Riverdale, Illinois.
Somme Prairie Grove and Bluff Spring Fen are also doing very nicely. Both these preserves offer mountain mint, wild bergamot, wild quinine, black-eyed Susan, the very tall compass plant, yellow coneflower, sweet Joy-Pye weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove has large patches of rattlesnake master and a fabulous, vast display of woodland sunflowers under the trees. (See picture below.)
This is a current photograph of Wolf Road Prairie:
I made this photograph on July 27, 2016 at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester. I’ve never seen so many prairie blazing star at this preserve.
Here are sample photos of blazing star (from previous years):
Spears Woods’ finest show is happening right now in its prairies, as blazing stars shoot toward the sky.*
At Bluff Spring Fen, blazing star also bloom. This picture shows the seep of the fen, located at the bottom of the “bowl” in the center of the preserve.*
Here’s a sample photo of what you can find at Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale:
Visit Kickapoo Prairie in Riverdale, where rattlesnake master, Indian grass, and compass plant glow in the sun. Great purple displays of blazing star is just beginning!*
This is an example of what you will find at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois:
At Somme Prairie Grove, woodland sunflowers surround this majestic bur oak in the savanna. You can also find a vast display of this flower at Wolf Road Prairie.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
—Mike