Fall 2001

Three generations of Crystal Lake residents have worked to restore this high-quality dry-mesic gravel prairie

McHenry County, Illinois

Over 60 years ago, Crystal Lake Park District acquired property that would later prove to be pivotal to the area's environmental movement. The 140-acre parcel, slated for open space recreation use, was named Veteran Acres in honor of the homecoming veterans of World War II.

“Unfortunately, the natural beauty of this site was not always enjoyed by the residents of Crystal Lake,” said Ellen Riedl, Crystal Lakes's public information coordinator. “Some of the land was once farmed, and later groomed as a golf course.” In 1969, School District 47, in cooperation with Crystal Lake Park District, built a nature center (now a multi-use facility) just west of Wingate Prairie, making the area an outdoor classroom for the next 10 years.

Bill Wingate, a teacher who had grown up in the area, reconnected with the prairie and eventually guided more than 150 volunteers in efforts to restore this site over the next 27 years. “Bill literally inspired and shared his knowledge and love for this site with three generations of the region's citizens,” said Steve Byers, field representative for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

In recognition of his service, the 33.5-acre prairie within Veteran Acres was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1994 and named in honor (posthumously) of Mr. Wingate. “Crystal Lake Park District demonstrated leadership in seeking formal protection of Wingate Prairie and the adjoining Sterne’s Fen through the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and spawned a whole new generation of restoration in McHenry County,” added Byers.

A high quality dry-mesic gravel prairie, Wingate Prairie offers a refreshingly expansive view. Amid the gently rolling hills of billowing grasses, a small patch of queen of the prairie and some purple-flowering raspberry in a small pine forest can be appreciated on a summertime stroll. A flat moraine at the northern end of the site is home to yet another variety of plants not requiring the well-drained soil of the hills or the damp hollow areas.

This unique prairie land, with its rolling terrain, oak savanna and conifer groupings, is home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species including prairie buttercup, pinweed, queen of the prairie, pale vetchling, purple flowering raspberry, silvery blue butterfly, and the Franklin ground squirrel.

Approximately four miles of multi-use trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers year round with cross-country skiing available in winter. A nature center operated by Crystal Lake Park District offers hands-on exhibits as well as a variety of programs. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays noon – 5:00 p.m.

A volunteer work group meets at the nature center every Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or by appointment. For more information call Jim Wigman, (815) 337-3431 or the nature center, (815) 455-1763.

Volunteer-led “Wanders at Wingate” are offered the last Sunday of each month from May through September for adults and families wanting to learn more about the prairie. These free hikes begin at 2:00 p.m. and last for approximately one hour. Insect repellent and sunscreen are strongly recommended. — April Anderson

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