Nature's Edge - Winter Wonderland - January 2005

The Village of Lincolnshire turns into a winter wonderland with the first snow fall of the season, and we encourage residents to get out and explore the many "wonders" in this winter wonderland.

Pedestrian paths are open in all of the Village natural areas. If snow is present to at least 4 inches, cross country skiing is also an option in all of these sites. Another option to consider would be to put smaller children on a sled and pull them as you walk the sites. Explorer backpacks are available at the Village Hall to be checked out to assist you in your exploration. Backpacks contain binoculars, magnifying glasses, fields guides, activity books, storybooks, etc.

This is the best time of year to observe wildlife in our natural areas. The leaves have fallen off of the trees making it easier to see birds and other wildlife in our woodland forests. Foot prints in the soft dirt or snow will also be clearly evident this time of year. Watch for "scat" or fecal deposits on pathways indicating "territory" for coyotes and fox. Early morning visits to the parks often yield the best variety of wildlife as animals and birds are moving about looking for food.

Rivershire Park is located in the Des Plaines River floodplain, and as a result, will have a wide variety of birds and wildlife all along the river's edge. Explore the floodplain forest on the north end and walk to the southern tip of the peninsula to see the wet meadow, wetland restoration and upland prairie. Stop on the first bridge and look into the woodland north and south of the bridge– this is a popular "hang out" for wildlife.

North Park is the headwaters to the north fork of the west branch of the Chicago River. It has rare flatwoods and is more open than other Village open space because it has been restored. Note the variety of tree sizes. This is unusual because, at other locations, buckthorn has choked out regrowth of native oaks and hickories. This forest is rich in native trees and plants. As you cross the bridges look up and down the river for signs of wildlife activity. If ice is present, look for hoof or other prints on the ice.

Florsheim provides a wide open prairie and dense woodland for observation. Binoculars are often handy here when looking from the path into wetland areas. Coyotes and fox frequent Florsheim regularly, and you will easily see signs of their visits with foot prints and scat along the paths and boardwalks. As you walk into the woodland, notice the buckthorn gets thicker and thicker, and that the understory of plants is almost nonexistent. This is due to the density of the buckthorn, which does not allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. The Village will be working on some of these areas over the winter so in the spring you will see significant regrowth of native plants and a possibility for regeneration of native oaks and hickory trees in the woodland.

We are so lucky here in the Village of Lincolnshire to have these wonderful open spaces to walk and enjoy nature. Take advantage of these spaces over the winter months. Call and get an explorer backpack to make your visits more interesting.