We'll be visiting the beautiful rolling prairie/wetland complex that is the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve. This large tract is home to four nesting-bird species on the Illinois-state threatened or endangered species list as well as the suite of rarer prairie-nesting specialists including Henslow’s Sparrow, Bobolinks, Dicksissels and Eastern Meadowlarks. We'll check out the weland/lakes by the parking lot and then venture directly into the prairie. The wetland area hosts ospreys and sometimes large numbers of great egrets and great blue herons. The prairie contains vast stretches of blooming prairie plants like silphium, prairie rose, rattlesnake master, beebalm and clovers. The visual beauty of the summer prairie at Paul Douglas is another great reason to make the trek out to this wonderful place.
Accessibility/Attire:
We'll be walking a total distance of about three miles on a combination of unpaved and grass surfaces. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Trails may be muddy especially if there is recent rain, so rubber boots may be necessary (weather dependent). Ticks are known to be found in Orland Grassland. It is highly recommended that you wear long pants (tucked into socks if possible), and treat clothing with permethrin or Off. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Leader: Vinod Babu
You must RSVP in advance. Pre-registration is required for the bird walk. Please contact Vinod (pavinodbabu@gmail.com) or Christina Harber (ceharber@yahoo.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.
We'll meet in the Grassy Ridge Meadow parking lot; link here:
https://goo.gl/maps/cXZNbJ4Uc7jM3eFi9
Driving directions:
From I-90 westbound: Exit at Barrington Road northbound/right and turn east/right at the first stoplight on W. Central Rd. Continue east on W. Central past Freeman Rd. The parking lot for Paul Douglas Preserve is on the north/left side of the road. Drive all the way to the north end of the parking lot to meet the group.
Special instructions:
Bring plenty of water and snacks with you on the trail as temperatures may be high. This is an open prairie; the combination of sun and walking can be draining. We will walk at least two miles on unpaved paths that can be uneven and may be muddy if there is recent rain. Wear a hat, sunscreen and bring insect repellent. There will be a portable toilet in the parking lot. Wear long pants to deter ticks. The path into the prairie is a simple mown trail and can be hard to pick out sometimes; ticks are no joke here.