Fall 1997

[TEXT ARCHIVE WEB-PUBLISHED MAY 2001.
ORIGINAL PRINT PUBLICATION DATE: FALL 1997.]

Here's what's debuting this season
on nature's stage in Chicago Wilderness

by Sheryl De Vore

NOVEMBER

Tamaracks turn to gold.
In late October and early November, this conifer's needles turns bright golden-yellow in its boggy home. The tamarack is one of few conifers in the world that loses its leaves (or needles) in winter.

Boardwalk Interpretive Trail at Volo Bog (Lake County). Take US Route 12 north of Volo. Turn on Brandenburg Road to entrance.

Bog at Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore. Call (219) 926-7561 x225 to schedule a guided walk through a bog bursting with tamaracks at this national treasure. Reservations necessary.

Ducks migrate south.
Thousands of ducks of various species gather in large flocks on waterways as they fly south for the winter. In early November, you may find blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, wood duck, mallards, northern shovelers, scaup, and other colorful species.

Crabtree Lake and Palatine Marsh at Crabtree Nature Center (Cook County). The entrance is on Palatine Road near intersection of Dundee Road and Route 59 south of Barrington.

Marshes at Glacial Park (McHenry County). The entrance is on Harts Road west of Route 31 north of the town of McHenry.

Cattails disperse seeds.
Cattails turn to fluffy, cottony masses in the wetlands, as the wind disperses the seeds. Each cattail possesses thousands of tiny brown flowers all tightly compressed on the top of their stems.

Interpretive Trail at Volo Bog (Lake County). Take US Route 12 north of Volo to Brandenburg. Turn to entrance.

Pike Marsh at Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry County). The entrance is off River Road in between Routes 120 and 176 near McHenry.

Tampier Slough and Tampier Lake at the Palos Preserves (Cook County). Parking is available on Wolf Road south of 131st St. near the towns of Palos Hills and Palos Park.

DECEMBER

Pines adapt to snowfall  and attract winter birds.
Evergreens grow in cone-like shapes which help them shed snow quickly before branches get weighed down and broken. Their cones attract winter migrants from the north such as red crossbills and evening grosbeaks.

The Kelly Hertel Trail at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area (McHenry County). The entrance is on route 23 north of Route 176 near the town of Marengo.

Conifer collection at Chicago Botanic Garden (Cook County). Take U S Route 41 to Lake Cook Road, east to the Garden entrance, near the town of Glencoe.

Pine grove on Regional Trail at Blackwell Forest Preserve (DuPage County). The entrance is off Butterfield Road east of Route 59 and west of Winfield Road.

Christmas ferns brighten winter.
When other ferns have faded in winter, the Christmas fern, turns forest green brightening the woodlands during the cold season. It grows in rocky, shady terrain.

The northern trail leading to Mud Lake at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve (DuPage County). Entrance is at intersection of McDowell and Raymond Roads near Naperville.

You can also search north-facing slopes along ravines near Lake Michigan.

JANUARY

Animals partake of winterberry's fruit.
The bright red berries of the winterberry attract animals to feed and contrast handsomely with the white of the snow-covered ground. Winterberries are native shrubs that thrive in wet areas including marshes and bogs. Both female and male of this species are necessary for the production of their lovely red berries.

Volo Bog (Lake County). Take US Route 12 north of Volo. Turn on Brandenburg Road to entrance.

Great Horned Owls court.

The Great Horned Owl gives a 'hoot' at dusk in the woods hoping to attract a mate who will answer back. This owl species begins nesting in late December, often choosing old red-tailed hawk nests in which to raise young. Try these areas and check your local nature preserves for owl prowl programs.

The Trails at Old School Forest Preserve (Lake County). Near the town of Libertyville, from the intersection of Route 60 and St. Mary's Road, go north to the forest preserve entrance.

Savanna behind marsh at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area (DuPage County). Entrance is near the intersection of Gary and Harrison Avenues south of Carol Stream, in Wheaton.

Oaks and hickories along Rush Creek (McHenry County). The entrance is off McGuire Road in near the town of Harvard.

Coyotes scout for prey under the snow.

Look for their tracks on snow-covered prairies and marshes.

Wolf Road Prairie (Cook County). Wolf Road at 31st  St. in Westchester. Park on the north side of 31st West of Wolf.

Goose Lake Prairie (Grundy County). Take I-55 south to Lorenzo Road. Follow signs to prairie.