Earth Day Weekend Hike at Sand Ridge Nature Center, - Sunday, April 25 - 10:30am to 3pm
This is one of my favorite hiking sites on the south side. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources describes Sand Ridge Prairie as a fine example of sand dune and swale topography that formerly occurred along the shores of glacial Lake Chicago. It’s a pretty area, and the trails provide a variety of flora and fauna, including a variety of grasses, black oak savannas, and a variety of birds. Since we’ll be there at the end of April, we’re likely to see numerous Spring wildflowers as we cross the boardwalks over the marshes and ponds. Here’s an additional link to a site listing the birds recently seen in the area:
Bird Sightings
We will meet in the parking lot for the Sand Ridge Nature Center – there’s only one parking lot, and if you enter the address into your GPS you will easily find it. The Nature Center building is a short walk from the parking lot. While the Nature Center’s inside natural history exhibits are presently closed due to covid precautions, we can view the outdoor exhibits which include live birds on display and interpretive gardens, along with an area of pioneer cabins used for programs depicting pioneer life in the 1800’s. The Center’s indoor bathrooms are also open, although there is no available water fountain, so everyone should bring their own water and snacks or lunch. In addition, there is always CCFPD staff available to provide trail maps and informational pamphlets, and to answer any questions you may have about the area.
After we hike the first loop trail, if there’s a consensus, we can take a short break to use the restrooms, and/or enjoy our snacks in the parking lot while catching up with each other.
Please note: LSSC abides by all current CDC COVID-19 masking and social distancing requirements.