Imagine. A night sky so full of brilliant stars that you can actually point out the constellations to your kids. Marshmallows stuck on sticks, bubbling over a campfire. The chocolaty, gooey-goodness of a real s'more. It's easy to envision the ideal camping experience-but not everyone has actually experienced it. If your best recollection of camping is frozen toes, a deflating mattress and a large rock in the middle of your back, take heart! Camping has changed, and there's something for everyone.
From RVs to Tents in the Wilderness… Whether your idea of camping out is a tent under the stars, your own RV, a three bedroom, two-bath cabin with satellite TV or something in between, today your options for the perfect camping and RVing adventure are practically limitless. Add to that the wide variety of activities available-from hiking to kayaking, horseback riding, water parks, fishing or even snowboarding, plus specialized programs for all ages, and it's easy to see why camping continues to be America's favorite pastime.
GoCampingAmerica.com - It's All Here for You GoCampingAmerica.com is the premier source for information on private parks and campgrounds nationwide, so whether you're looking for the perfect park, traveler's tips or things to do when you get there, we're ready to help. Welcome, and enjoy!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Fun At The Beach -- Beach Tips & Packing Lists
By Amanda Formaro
If you live near a beach, whether it be the ocean or a lake, it's a great way to enjoy time with your kids and keep away the boredom bug. If you don't live near the water, but are planning a vacation to the beach, here's a list of items that are a must have!
Sunscreen
This is probably the most important item in your beach bag. Make sure that you have sufficient sunscreen protection for yourself and your children. The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so limit your time in the sun during those hours. Choose a sunscreen lotion that is at the very least 15 SPF, more appropriate for children is an SPF of 30 or more. Be sure to adequately apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, nose, and neck. Speak to your doctor about sunscreen and babies under 6 months of age.
Don't forget your lips!
Bring along sun protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more. An Aloe based after sun lotion is a great way to soothe your skin after a day in the sun, apply after your day at the beach.
Protective Barriers
Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays, sun hats with brims, and beach umbrellas are all wonderful items to have along for added protection.
Babies under 6 months old should wear protective clothing, a brimmed sun hat, and if possible, baby sunglasses that protect from harmful UV rays. Babies should not spend a lot of time in the sun, but when they are, keep them protected!
A first aid kit with band aids, an antibiotic cream, and other essentials is an excellent idea as well.
Chairs & Blanket
There are chairs made specifically for the beach, they sit low to the ground and fold up neatly, often they include a handy shoulder strap. Don't count on the beach having chairs for its guests.
A blanket is another nice thing to bring along. Not only is it comfortable to sit on, but it's a welcome comfort from the hot sand on bare feet.
Sand & Water Toys
Kids love digging and building in the sand, it's a must for a beach visit. There is a huge variety of toys on the market made specifically for water play. Nerf balls and lightweight canvas Frisbee discs are great because they float and often come in neon colors so they can be seen easily. Don't forget the standard shovels and pails, sand diggers, and sand sifters -- great for building sand castles, sifting for shells and rocks, and pouring water into makeshift motes.
Bring along a plastic jar to collect shells. A butterfly or small fishing net can be loads of fun for catching small minnows near lake shorelines. And let's not forget the old beach standby, the beach ball. Squirting water toys are also a blast and can keep the kids busy for hours. Goggles and water masks are great, but can be easily lost in the water. Be sure to bring along extras. There are hundreds of different kinds of beach and water toys, bring along what your family will enjoy.
Floatation Devices
Most public beaches do not allow items such as floating rafts, noodles, or "arm floaties" as they are not Coast Guard approved swim or safety wear. Check with your beach lifeguards or town officials to see what they will or will not allow.
Coast Guard approved life jackets are welcome and recommended for young swimmers, even those who have recently learned to swim, for safety purposes. Many beaches offer free loaner lifejackets, or they offer them for a nominal fee.
Extra Towels
Bring towels along for each member of your family, this goes without saying. Bringing along an extra or two cannot hurt, especially if little Timmy decides to take his into the water with him.
Water & Snacks
Being in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family. Check with your beach and see if coolers are allowed so that you can keep it nice and cold.
If your beach does allow coolers, this is a great way to save money on snacks. Instead of buying from the beach concession stand, bring along fresh fruit, pretzels, cold sandwiches and carrot sticks.
Extra Clothing
Bringing along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts is not a bad idea. If your beach trip will continue on into the evening, bring a windbreaker or sweat jacket for everyone, just in case the temperature dips down. Be sure that everyone has adequate footwear, swim shoes are a great idea as well, especially for rocky beaches.
Preserving Memories
Don't forget your camera! You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras to capture all of those sunny moments. Inexpensive disposable cameras are even available for underwater use.
Your Beach Survival Kit
Now that you are ready to head off to the beach, here's a summarization of everything we have suggested. Check each item off to see if you are ready to roll!
___ sunscreen (at least 15 SPF)
___ lip balm
___ aloe after sun lotion
___ first aid kit
___ sun hat
___ sunglasses
___ beach umbrella
___ chairs blanket
___ pail & shovel
___ Nerf type ball and/or lightweight nylon Frisbee disc
___ sand digger and sifter
___ goggles or masks
___ plastic jar for collecting shells
___ life jackets
___ towels (and extras)
___ bottled water
___ snacks (if allowable)
___ extra clothing and footwear
___ water/swim shoes
___ waterproof disposable camera
Preserving Nature
A special note: remember, if you find live snails, crabs, fish, starfish, or other underwater lifeforms, observe them, then put them back. Only take home empty shells, fossilized starfish, and rocks. Enjoy your trip to the beach. Be sure to discuss water safety with your kids before going.
Be Sure to Also Check Out
Solving the #1 Problem in Beach Photography
Surviving Summer Festivals
Stress-Free Travel With Kids
Travel Games for Kids
If you live near a beach, whether it be the ocean or a lake, it's a great way to enjoy time with your kids and keep away the boredom bug. If you don't live near the water, but are planning a vacation to the beach, here's a list of items that are a must have!
Sunscreen
This is probably the most important item in your beach bag. Make sure that you have sufficient sunscreen protection for yourself and your children. The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so limit your time in the sun during those hours. Choose a sunscreen lotion that is at the very least 15 SPF, more appropriate for children is an SPF of 30 or more. Be sure to adequately apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, nose, and neck. Speak to your doctor about sunscreen and babies under 6 months of age.
Don't forget your lips!
Bring along sun protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more. An Aloe based after sun lotion is a great way to soothe your skin after a day in the sun, apply after your day at the beach.
Protective Barriers
Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays, sun hats with brims, and beach umbrellas are all wonderful items to have along for added protection.
Babies under 6 months old should wear protective clothing, a brimmed sun hat, and if possible, baby sunglasses that protect from harmful UV rays. Babies should not spend a lot of time in the sun, but when they are, keep them protected!
A first aid kit with band aids, an antibiotic cream, and other essentials is an excellent idea as well.
Chairs & Blanket
There are chairs made specifically for the beach, they sit low to the ground and fold up neatly, often they include a handy shoulder strap. Don't count on the beach having chairs for its guests.
A blanket is another nice thing to bring along. Not only is it comfortable to sit on, but it's a welcome comfort from the hot sand on bare feet.
Sand & Water Toys
Kids love digging and building in the sand, it's a must for a beach visit. There is a huge variety of toys on the market made specifically for water play. Nerf balls and lightweight canvas Frisbee discs are great because they float and often come in neon colors so they can be seen easily. Don't forget the standard shovels and pails, sand diggers, and sand sifters -- great for building sand castles, sifting for shells and rocks, and pouring water into makeshift motes.
Bring along a plastic jar to collect shells. A butterfly or small fishing net can be loads of fun for catching small minnows near lake shorelines. And let's not forget the old beach standby, the beach ball. Squirting water toys are also a blast and can keep the kids busy for hours. Goggles and water masks are great, but can be easily lost in the water. Be sure to bring along extras. There are hundreds of different kinds of beach and water toys, bring along what your family will enjoy.
Floatation Devices
Most public beaches do not allow items such as floating rafts, noodles, or "arm floaties" as they are not Coast Guard approved swim or safety wear. Check with your beach lifeguards or town officials to see what they will or will not allow.
Coast Guard approved life jackets are welcome and recommended for young swimmers, even those who have recently learned to swim, for safety purposes. Many beaches offer free loaner lifejackets, or they offer them for a nominal fee.
Extra Towels
Bring towels along for each member of your family, this goes without saying. Bringing along an extra or two cannot hurt, especially if little Timmy decides to take his into the water with him.
Water & Snacks
Being in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family. Check with your beach and see if coolers are allowed so that you can keep it nice and cold.
If your beach does allow coolers, this is a great way to save money on snacks. Instead of buying from the beach concession stand, bring along fresh fruit, pretzels, cold sandwiches and carrot sticks.
Extra Clothing
Bringing along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts is not a bad idea. If your beach trip will continue on into the evening, bring a windbreaker or sweat jacket for everyone, just in case the temperature dips down. Be sure that everyone has adequate footwear, swim shoes are a great idea as well, especially for rocky beaches.
Preserving Memories
Don't forget your camera! You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras to capture all of those sunny moments. Inexpensive disposable cameras are even available for underwater use.
Your Beach Survival Kit
Now that you are ready to head off to the beach, here's a summarization of everything we have suggested. Check each item off to see if you are ready to roll!
___ sunscreen (at least 15 SPF)
___ lip balm
___ aloe after sun lotion
___ first aid kit
___ sun hat
___ sunglasses
___ beach umbrella
___ chairs blanket
___ pail & shovel
___ Nerf type ball and/or lightweight nylon Frisbee disc
___ sand digger and sifter
___ goggles or masks
___ plastic jar for collecting shells
___ life jackets
___ towels (and extras)
___ bottled water
___ snacks (if allowable)
___ extra clothing and footwear
___ water/swim shoes
___ waterproof disposable camera
Preserving Nature
A special note: remember, if you find live snails, crabs, fish, starfish, or other underwater lifeforms, observe them, then put them back. Only take home empty shells, fossilized starfish, and rocks. Enjoy your trip to the beach. Be sure to discuss water safety with your kids before going.
Be Sure to Also Check Out
Solving the #1 Problem in Beach Photography
Surviving Summer Festivals
Stress-Free Travel With Kids
Travel Games for Kids
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Rafting on the Martha Brae
Experience the thrill or bask in tranquility and romance...
Take an exhilarating river ride on a 30 foot bamboo raft and be captivated by the intriguing legend of Martha's Gold hidden away in a mysterious cave yet to be discovered.
The 3 mile raft ride, piloted by a trained Raft Captain relaxes your mind and body as it renews your spirit.
Revive your love for nature's beauty evidenced in picturesque snapshots during the 90-minute journey through the verdant countryside of a tropical splendor.
Take an exhilarating river ride on a 30 foot bamboo raft and be captivated by the intriguing legend of Martha's Gold hidden away in a mysterious cave yet to be discovered.
The 3 mile raft ride, piloted by a trained Raft Captain relaxes your mind and body as it renews your spirit.
Revive your love for nature's beauty evidenced in picturesque snapshots during the 90-minute journey through the verdant countryside of a tropical splendor.
The Legend of Martha Brae
The legend tells of an old Arawak witch, who lived on the bank of the River Matibereon.Having heard tales of the Arawak gold, Spanish treasure hunters captured the witch to lead them to the treasure.Pretending to comply she led them into a cave, then suddenly disappeared.Frightened, the Spaniards ran out of the cave but the river engulfed them.The witch then changed the course of the river forever.Passed on by mouth the legend still lives on. Twisted translations produced the English version of river Matibereon: Martha Brae
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Location
The main entrance is on Northgate Road, west of Cass Avenue. From I-55, exit Cass south to Northgate Road. The Outdoor Education Camp parking lot is accessed from Bluff Road (99th Street), which intersects Cass Avenue.
Darien, IL
Preserve Maps
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve map (345 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Trail map (320 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve may be the most astonishing parcel of open space in DuPage County, if not northern Illinois. One of DuPage's largest preserves, Waterfall Glen contains 2,488 acres of some of the most diverse plant and animal populations in the area, along with some of the most rugged landscape. A popular place with hikers, cyclists, equestrians, cross-country skiers, wildlife watchers and model-aircraft enthusiasts, Waterfall Glen truly offers something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Waterfall Glen's four marked trails range from 0.2 miles to 9.5 miles in length and meander through some of the preserve's most scenic areas. The main trail is an 8-foot-wide crushed-limestone multipurpose trail. In addition, there are many unmarked mowed-grass trails and footpaths that dissect the preserve. Feel free to hike and explore these smaller, less-conspicuous paths, but remember that they often are not linked to the main trail nor are they shown on the preserve map. Latrine facilities and drinking water are only available at the trailhead and the outdoor education camp.
Biking
Cyclists are invited to use any of Waterfall Glen's 8-foot-wide multipurpose trails, although they are asked to stay toward the outside of the trails as a courtesy to other visitors. To prevent damage to sensitive natural areas, cycling on trails less than 8 feet wide is prohibited.
Horseback Riding
In addition to the main trail loop, Waterfall Glen offers trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the preserve. Visitors with trailers should park in the designated parking bays at the trailhead on Northgate Road.
Fishing
Several old quarries scattered throughout the preserve offer still fishing waters. All persons 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.
Picnicking
Visitors are welcome to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the mowed grass areas at Waterfall Glen. Ground fires are not permitted, except in the fire ring at the trailhead area.
Special-Use Areas
Outdoor Education Camp
This camp provides an opportunity for youth, Scout and school groups to discover diverse natural areas during daytime environmental education experiences.
The District provides training to leaders using the camp. The program is best suited for leaders of groups of children who are 10 - 15 years old and requires about 12 hours to complete. Call the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110 for more information.
Overnight camping opportunities for youth groups are also available. A shelter with a large grill, latrines and drinking water are provided. Youth groups are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may camp in these areas. Camping permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for campsite use. For permit and other information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Orienteering is a challenging activity that involves navigating through the outdoors with just a map and a compass. A permanently marked course is located in the northeast section of Waterfall Glen near the trailhead. Groups can borrow maps, compasses and activity sheets by calling the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110.
Model-Aircraft Field
A large open field in the southwest section of the preserve is a popular spot for local model-aircraft enthusiasts. For more information on access to this area or use by qualified model aircraft clubs, contact Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Preserve History
Before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians camped on the limestone bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River and used a vantage point on the bluffs to communicate with each other and later with fur traders. Today, it is still called Signal Hill. Père Marquette and Louis Joliet paddled their way beneath these bluffs as they explored the Des Plaines River valley in the mid-1600s.
From 1860 through the 1880s, Sawmill Creek was the site of the Ward Brothers' sawmill. Elsewhere, quarrymen were busy plying their trade at three active quarries under the direction of builder and quarry owner Edwin Walker. Walker's quarries were known for their quality Lemont Limestone, or Athens Marble, a much-used construction material at the time. One of the most notable of Walker's projects was the Chicago Water Tower, built from limestone quarried at Waterfall Glen.
In 1907, the Lincoln Park Commission, a predecessor of the Chicago Park District, purchased 107 acres from a local landowner. A small part of the property was used as a plant nursery. Most of the land was used to gather black topsoil that would be hauled to Chicago as fill for creating the Lincoln Park area along the city's lakeshore.
The Forest Preserve District began its land purchases here in 1925. The former Rocky Glen, Old Oak Grove and Signal Hill areas were acquired from private property owners. Later, the District traded the Old Grove area to the federal government for land that connected Rocky Glen with Signal Hill. This gave the District a continuous land holding and served the federal government's purpose at Argonne National Laboratory.
Later, a great deal of land surrounding Argonne became available as federal surplus land. In 1973, the District was chosen to receive 2,222 acres that today add to the vast diversity available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.
Natural History
The topography of Waterfall Glen, and most of DuPage County, can be traced to one design maker, the Wisconsin Glacier. The ridges and potholes scattered throughout Waterfall Glen are a result of former ice action. Even the valley of the Des Plaines River was cut by glacial meltwaters and water draining from a postglacial lake that covered most of the Chicagoland area.
Its natural characteristics give Waterfall Glen the greatest diversity of habitat in any DuPage County forest preserve. Prairies, savannas, oak-maple woodlands and planted pine groves add to this diversity. Plant surveys by District ecologists have recorded more than 600 native plant species at Waterfall Glen. This biologically diverse area includes 75 percent of all the plants known to grow naturally in DuPage County.
Waterfall Glen is host to a bevy of wildlife that uses the preserve year-round and during migration. Records show 17 fish, 11 amphibian, 19 reptilian, 30 mammalian and more than 160 avian species.
Historical Notes
Pine Plantations
These pines were planted by Argonne National Laboratory when the federal government owned the land. Originally planted as a buffer, the trees now provide a beautiful sight and the perfect habitat for owls and other woodland animals.
Rocky Glen Area
At one time, this area encompassed the entire preserve when the original 75 acres were purchased in 1925. The picturesque waterfall, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and recently restored, is located here.
Namesake Mistake
Contrary to popular belief, the preserve was not named after the man-made waterfall in the Rocky Glen area. Instead, it was named in honor of Seymour "Bud" Waterfall, who was an early president of the District's Board of Commissioners.
Poverty Prairie
Through long-term natural-resource-management efforts, the 120-acre Poverty Prairie has developed into a stable, diverse plant community containing over 260 native species that provides habitat for wildlife such as the meadowlark, gray catbird, and western harvest mouse. The section of prairie categorized as a "dry" prairie contains, among other grasses, poverty oat grass, which gives the area its name.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
The main entrance is on Northgate Road, west of Cass Avenue. From I-55, exit Cass south to Northgate Road. The Outdoor Education Camp parking lot is accessed from Bluff Road (99th Street), which intersects Cass Avenue.
Darien, IL
Preserve Maps
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve map (345 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Trail map (320 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve may be the most astonishing parcel of open space in DuPage County, if not northern Illinois. One of DuPage's largest preserves, Waterfall Glen contains 2,488 acres of some of the most diverse plant and animal populations in the area, along with some of the most rugged landscape. A popular place with hikers, cyclists, equestrians, cross-country skiers, wildlife watchers and model-aircraft enthusiasts, Waterfall Glen truly offers something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Waterfall Glen's four marked trails range from 0.2 miles to 9.5 miles in length and meander through some of the preserve's most scenic areas. The main trail is an 8-foot-wide crushed-limestone multipurpose trail. In addition, there are many unmarked mowed-grass trails and footpaths that dissect the preserve. Feel free to hike and explore these smaller, less-conspicuous paths, but remember that they often are not linked to the main trail nor are they shown on the preserve map. Latrine facilities and drinking water are only available at the trailhead and the outdoor education camp.
Biking
Cyclists are invited to use any of Waterfall Glen's 8-foot-wide multipurpose trails, although they are asked to stay toward the outside of the trails as a courtesy to other visitors. To prevent damage to sensitive natural areas, cycling on trails less than 8 feet wide is prohibited.
Horseback Riding
In addition to the main trail loop, Waterfall Glen offers trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the preserve. Visitors with trailers should park in the designated parking bays at the trailhead on Northgate Road.
Fishing
Several old quarries scattered throughout the preserve offer still fishing waters. All persons 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.
Picnicking
Visitors are welcome to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the mowed grass areas at Waterfall Glen. Ground fires are not permitted, except in the fire ring at the trailhead area.
Special-Use Areas
Outdoor Education Camp
This camp provides an opportunity for youth, Scout and school groups to discover diverse natural areas during daytime environmental education experiences.
The District provides training to leaders using the camp. The program is best suited for leaders of groups of children who are 10 - 15 years old and requires about 12 hours to complete. Call the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110 for more information.
Overnight camping opportunities for youth groups are also available. A shelter with a large grill, latrines and drinking water are provided. Youth groups are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may camp in these areas. Camping permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for campsite use. For permit and other information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Orienteering is a challenging activity that involves navigating through the outdoors with just a map and a compass. A permanently marked course is located in the northeast section of Waterfall Glen near the trailhead. Groups can borrow maps, compasses and activity sheets by calling the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110.
Model-Aircraft Field
A large open field in the southwest section of the preserve is a popular spot for local model-aircraft enthusiasts. For more information on access to this area or use by qualified model aircraft clubs, contact Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Preserve History
Before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians camped on the limestone bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River and used a vantage point on the bluffs to communicate with each other and later with fur traders. Today, it is still called Signal Hill. Père Marquette and Louis Joliet paddled their way beneath these bluffs as they explored the Des Plaines River valley in the mid-1600s.
From 1860 through the 1880s, Sawmill Creek was the site of the Ward Brothers' sawmill. Elsewhere, quarrymen were busy plying their trade at three active quarries under the direction of builder and quarry owner Edwin Walker. Walker's quarries were known for their quality Lemont Limestone, or Athens Marble, a much-used construction material at the time. One of the most notable of Walker's projects was the Chicago Water Tower, built from limestone quarried at Waterfall Glen.
In 1907, the Lincoln Park Commission, a predecessor of the Chicago Park District, purchased 107 acres from a local landowner. A small part of the property was used as a plant nursery. Most of the land was used to gather black topsoil that would be hauled to Chicago as fill for creating the Lincoln Park area along the city's lakeshore.
The Forest Preserve District began its land purchases here in 1925. The former Rocky Glen, Old Oak Grove and Signal Hill areas were acquired from private property owners. Later, the District traded the Old Grove area to the federal government for land that connected Rocky Glen with Signal Hill. This gave the District a continuous land holding and served the federal government's purpose at Argonne National Laboratory.
Later, a great deal of land surrounding Argonne became available as federal surplus land. In 1973, the District was chosen to receive 2,222 acres that today add to the vast diversity available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.
Natural History
The topography of Waterfall Glen, and most of DuPage County, can be traced to one design maker, the Wisconsin Glacier. The ridges and potholes scattered throughout Waterfall Glen are a result of former ice action. Even the valley of the Des Plaines River was cut by glacial meltwaters and water draining from a postglacial lake that covered most of the Chicagoland area.
Its natural characteristics give Waterfall Glen the greatest diversity of habitat in any DuPage County forest preserve. Prairies, savannas, oak-maple woodlands and planted pine groves add to this diversity. Plant surveys by District ecologists have recorded more than 600 native plant species at Waterfall Glen. This biologically diverse area includes 75 percent of all the plants known to grow naturally in DuPage County.
Waterfall Glen is host to a bevy of wildlife that uses the preserve year-round and during migration. Records show 17 fish, 11 amphibian, 19 reptilian, 30 mammalian and more than 160 avian species.
Historical Notes
Pine Plantations
These pines were planted by Argonne National Laboratory when the federal government owned the land. Originally planted as a buffer, the trees now provide a beautiful sight and the perfect habitat for owls and other woodland animals.
Rocky Glen Area
At one time, this area encompassed the entire preserve when the original 75 acres were purchased in 1925. The picturesque waterfall, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and recently restored, is located here.
Namesake Mistake
Contrary to popular belief, the preserve was not named after the man-made waterfall in the Rocky Glen area. Instead, it was named in honor of Seymour "Bud" Waterfall, who was an early president of the District's Board of Commissioners.
Poverty Prairie
Through long-term natural-resource-management efforts, the 120-acre Poverty Prairie has developed into a stable, diverse plant community containing over 260 native species that provides habitat for wildlife such as the meadowlark, gray catbird, and western harvest mouse. The section of prairie categorized as a "dry" prairie contains, among other grasses, poverty oat grass, which gives the area its name.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Friday, January 26, 2007
adventure
Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.
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