Grassy Lake Forest Preserve
Lake County, Illinois

Relatively secluded before the addition of a trail system last year, Grassy Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Barrington is still one of the area's better-kept secrets. The preserve includes 558 acres of prairie, wetland, woodland, and savanna in various stages of recovery from agricultural uses, and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. In October 2002, the Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFP) opened a 3.5-mile serpentine trail throughout the site, making it more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of season.

The well-marked smooth gravel trail begins at the Lake Barrington Municipal Center on Old Barrington Road. Hikers can follow the trail north to explore the streamside wetlands of the Flint Creek corridor, or south to observe the woodlands and wet prairie ecosystems of the Grassy Lake portion. The preserve is full of wildlife, says Tom Smith, LCFP stewardship volunteer coordinator. Coyotes, herons, egrets, raccoons, opossum, deer, and ducks can be observed amidst acres of native prairie grasses, such as big bluestem, switch grass, Canadian wild rye, and little bluestem. The wood duck and bluebird nest boxes near the trail hint at some of the preserve's bird communities. Fortunate visitors may also see sandhill cranes.

According to Ken Klick, LCFP restoration ecologist, land managers are restoring parts of the preserve through controlled burning, removal of invasive species, and selective thinning of aggressive native species.

North from the trailhead, the trail loosely follows the eastern bank of the meandering Flint Creek, traveling mostly through wetlands and restored prairie. Private residences line portions of the landscape. Nearby, on now-developed property outside of the forest preserve, archaeologists uncovered remains of a Paleo-Indian encampment thought to be 10,000 years old, the oldest traces of human presence in Lake County.

The Grassy Lake side of the trail stretches south from the Municipal Center. Take particular note of the oak savanna near the trailhead. Willowy Indian grass and an assortment of wildflowers, such as mountain mint and bergamot, can also be found in the area. Further along the trail, explorers can view woodlands with bitternut and shagbark hickory trees, red and white oaks, cherry and walnut trees, and a variety of sedges. Cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers and yellow-shafted flickers abound, breaking the silence of this serene area. Grassy Lake itself, a distance from the trail, hides from sight.

In addition to Grassy Lake and Flint Creek, the preserve includes Wagner Fen, a 100-acre wetland. Dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, Wagner Fen is home to several rare plant species. Part of the fen is managed by Citizens for Conservation, a group of local conservationists. Four natural communities comprise Wagner Fen: graminoid fen, sedge meadow, marsh, and perennial stream, and approximately 190 species of native plants have been recorded there. Located near the northernmost reach of the trail, this important fen is largely surrounded by deep cattail marsh, making access difficult.

Sports lovers interested in communing with nature during the winter months might consider cross-country skiing on the preserve's wide, gently sloping trails. When the snow has melted, try hiking or running. Bicycles are permitted, as well as leashed pets.

Grassy Lake Forest Preserve is open every day from 6:30 a.m. until sunset. Restrooms are located in the Municipal Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call (847) 381-6010.

Roaming
While in the area, visitors can explore nearby Fox River Preserve & Marina, (847) 381-0669, on West Roberts Road in Barrington, two miles north of Grassy Lake, where there is an impressive rookery of great blue herons and egrets. Numerous other nearby preserves include Cuba Marsh, Lyons Prairie and Marsh, Flint Creek Savanna, Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve, and the heron rookery at Baker's Lake Nature Preserve.

Stillman Nature Center, (847) 428-OWLS, on West Penny Road in South Barrington, offers 80 acres of woods, lakes, and prairie. November through March, the center, which has no indoor facilities for visitors, is open to the public on Sundays, 1-4 p.m. (Sundays, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. the rest of the year).

Got kids? Make a stop at the Health World Children's Museum, (847) 842-9100, which provides a "hands-on" approach to learning about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Located on South Grove Avenue in Barrington, the center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is $6 for adults and children.

The 76-year-old Catlow Theater, (847) 381-0777, on Main Street in downtown Barrington, provides a relaxing break from the great outdoors. Grab a homemade sandwich at Boloney's Sandwich Shop, (847) 381-0645, next door and eat it inside this ornate movie house, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. Shows are just $4 a person!

Foraging
For even more nostalgia, check out Chessie's Restaurant, (847) 382-5020, in the Ice House Mall on Appleby Street, just minutes from the Catlow Theater. Enjoy classic American cuisine in a railroad setting — dine in a vintage 1927 dining car or in the original Barrington train station. Dinners range from $8.75 (turkey club) to $25.95 (filet mignon). Sunday buffet brunch draws large crowds.

Historic Long Grove, located near the intersection of Routes 83 and 53, is an area of Lake County you don't want to miss. A quaint, charming village filled with specialty shops, craft stores, galleries, and restaurants, Long Grove is sure to entice your senses. Sample delectable chocolate-covered strawberries at the famous Long Grove Confectionery, (847) 634-0080; grab a gourmet coffee at Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Café, (847) 821-0011; or explore memorabilia from the 50s, 60s, and 70s at Nifty 50's, (847) 821-7047. Visitors can eat lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the village, such as the delightfully fresh, mouthwatering Italian dishes of Enzo & Lucia's, (847) 478-8825. Request a table in the kitchen to see the chefs in action! Or enjoy hearty American-style fare at the Village Tavern, (847) 634-3117. All-you-can-eat specials Monday through Friday.

Located just minutes from Grassy Lake is the Port Barrington Bar & Grill, (847) 382-1366, on Kazimour Drive, just off of Kelsey Road. Enjoy a variety of house favorites from raw oysters, steaks, chops, and ribs (children's menu available) while viewing the Fox River from the large bay windows. Average entree is $15.

Beer lovers should check out the Millrose Restaurant & Brewing Company and the Millrose Country Store, (847) 382-7673, located at the intersection of Barrington Road and I-90 in South Barrington, for a wide variety of home-brewed beers and ales. While there, enjoy a hearty lunch of chili, stew, or ribs (the house specialty) and browse in the country store. A patio, large outdoor fireplaces, and on-site microbrewery contribute to this unique atmosphere.

Bedding Down
Looking for a bed and breakfast nearby? Try Wakan Cove Bed and Breakfast, (847) 487-1310, at 641 E. Liberty Street in Wauconda, just seven miles from downtown Barrington. Rates range from $80 to $175 per night, depending on the season. Enjoy the fireplace in the winter or the private access to the lake in the summertime.

Events
Through December 24: Countryside Christmas
Historic Long Grove, (847) 634-0888. Routes 53 & 83 in Long Grove, Ill.

Through January 4: Holiday Festival of Lights
Cuneo Museum and Gardens Grounds, (847) 367-3700.
6 p.m. — 10 p.m. daily. Intersection of Routes 60 and 21 in Vernon Hills.

New Year's Day Nature Walk
Stillman Nature Center, (847) 428-OWLS. 10 a.m. West Penny Road in South Barrington.

For festivals and other events throughout the year, see Historic Long Grove's Event Calendar.

— Ruth Ann Keyso-Vail