Winter 1999

Sterling Lake allows visitors to fish, canoe and ice skate

Lake County, Illinois

Van Patten Woods in northern Lake County encompasses 972 acres of prairie, native oak woodlands, and sedge meadows. The Des Plaines River meanders the entire length of the preserve, and the beautiful 74-acre Sterling Lake lies at the southern end of the park.

Just north of Sterling Lake lies the northern trailhead for the Des Plaines River Trail, a crushed gravel trail which extends south for 12 miles with a 33-mile link-up planned for the near future. This trail is open to horses, snowmobiles, bicycles, as well as hikers and runners. In addition, Sterling Lake is encircled by foot trails that stretch approximately two miles. In the eastern half of Van Patten Woods lies a one-mile loop dedicated for hikers and cross-country skiers and a two-mile crushed gravel loop for cross country hikers, horses, and bicycles. Anyone out on the trails may see white-tailed deer, catch a glimpse of a coyote, look up to see some of the many raptors (red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk) or you may be very lucky and see some of the wild turkeys that have been spotted lately.

Sterling Lake is the hub of activity for the park.

Originally a gravel pit that had filled with water, the lake was once a dangerous eyesore with treacherous drop-offs. In 1989 and 1993 major restoration took place resulting in a safe and beautiful lake where fishing, canoeing, row boating and paddle boating are enjoyed. On the fishing scene panfish, bass, and northern pike are often caught while muskies, channel catfish, and walleye are stocked regularly. Bait, tackle, and boat rentals are available at Chandler's Boat and Bait on the lake's shore. There is also a canoe launch for the Des Plaines River.

Winter recreation includes ice skating, hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, (provided ice is 4.5 inches thick), cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The paramount natural feature of the area is the Des Plaines River. Its flood plain provides refuge for many native plants and animals. Primarily flat to gently sloping, the grasslands and restored prairies and meadows are dotted by pine groves and natural oak-dominated woodlands. Can you spot the largest oak tree in the county? (HintŠit stands very close to the road running through the preserve).

The District plans to restore the sedge meadow and wetland community that run along the Des Plaines River. These communities are separated by linear oak woodlands that run along the eastern bank of the river. Prairie restoration has started west of Sterling Lake and there are active volunteer groups planting trees and conducting controlled burns of woodland and prairie.

Extensively remodeled just seven years ago, shelters, bathroom facilities, trails and picnic areas are all in new, clean condition. You really get a sense of open country when you visit this preserve and it is large enough and far from highly populated areas to get a feeling of quiet and calm. This is not an overcrowded, overused park by any stretch!

For information about rentals, programs, fishing, contact Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 367-6640. For information on conservation and restoration projects, contact volunteer coordinator Tom Smith at (847) 948-7750.

Van Patten Woods is open 365 days a year from 6:30 a.m. until sundown.

— Jim Kostohrys