Nature's Edge - Old Mill Woods - April 2006

The woodland at Old Mill Woods was recently added to the existing 40 acre Florsheim Park and 35 acre North Park preserves. This new addition, a 32 acre site, was donated to the Village as part of a development agreement with Kenneth James Builders. In addition to the donation, the developer is restoring this property to its native beauty.

The Old Mill Woods addition is located along the southern boundary of Florsheim Park and is a beautiful property filled with mature oaks, hickories, iron woods, muscle woods, wetlands, a buttonbush swamp and a myriad of native flowers and grasses. In February, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission accepted this site for dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve. The entire 100+ acre site is now provided the highest level of protection possible by the State of Illinois!

This addition is another example of the Village’s commitment to protecting open space and the rare natural features of our area. In 1999 the residents voted overwhelmingly to acquire the North Park property and keep it as open space. In 2002, residents responded to a recreation survey stating their strong support to protect and preserve open space in the Village.

A pedestrian path has been provided from Old Mill Road through a portion of the new preserve connecting to the Florsheim and North Park path system. Take the opportunity to walk through this new space and enjoy the 100+ acres of beautiful native woodland along the West Fork of the Chicago River here in Lincolnshire.