March Forest Preserve Update
Migration begins and babies are being born. Sand hill Cranes may be observed flying high overhead in a number of preserves, and the familiar calls of Red-winged Blackbirds will be heard county wide as they too have migrated back to the area. Be on the lookout for migratory waterfowl as well such as Ring - necked Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and Wood Ducks. Belted Kingfishers may be fishing in many unfrozen rivers throughout the county. Towards the later days of March mammals such as Coyote, Squirrels, and Bunnies begin giving birth. While out on the trails please be alert for our little ones that may not have learned yet to look both ways before crossing. Most flowering plants bloom this time of year, in a long succession beginning even when snow is still on the ground, and continuing into early summer. Look for wildflowers such as Skunk cabbage, Spring-beauty, and Trout-lily.
For those of you who have ridden through Blackwell in the last couple of months, you may have noticed the gates to the Archery Range are closed. Construction on the new archery range is underway. For those of you who are also archer enthusiasts, the temporary range is located in St. James Farm off of the Mack Road entrance. The new and improved archery range in Blackwell, when complete, will include: a 140 paved car parking lot, a picnic shelter, fishing programs, an activity area, an interactive target range, a static target range, and a beginner target range. A beautiful prairie restoration will also be included. The area is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2011, so make sure you check it out!
Keep in mind while riding that with the warmer days it’s important to try to stay on the limestone screening trails as the ground can be unpredictable with thawing, snow run off, and spring rains. And those trails that are natural or mowed vegetation may be extremely muddy and sloppy. Rangers may barricade these and post them as “Trail Closed” when they become impassable or hazardous.
Before hitting the trails, check out the Outdoor Report. This report updates you on the sights and sounds of the Forest Preserve, including pictures of all the activity. Animal sightings, hot spots for fishing, blooming wildflowers, upcoming events and programs within the District, and Ranger activities are just a few of the topics covered in the report. You can view the report on www.dupageforest.org or call our hotline at 630.871.6422. You can also check us out on Facebook- our page is constantly being updated with the latest Forest Preserve District news.
While out on the trails, if you spot an interesting creature or snap a picture of a beautiful sunrise and want to share it with the visitors of the Preserve, please feel free to pass your information along to forest@dupageforest.com. We’d really appreciate it!
With over 25,000 acres, 140 miles of trail and 60 preserves all right at your feet, there's a perfect way to enjoy DuPage County's forest preserves that's just waiting for you. For information, call 630.933.7200, or visit www.dupageforest.org.
As always, please keep in mind that horses are prohibited from picnic areas, model airfields, and campgrounds at all Forest Preserves. Also, throughout the preserves riders should remain on the maintained trail systems. Please advise the Forest Preserve District of any concerns through the Forest Preserves main phone number 630.933.7200.
Happy Trails!