Gemma Mueller ’27
Illinois is the 25th largest state in the United States with a total of 57,915 square miles. Lake County, the county where Lake Forest College is located, has a total land area of 443.6 square miles. Over 10% of the land in Lake County is a forest preserve.
Many view Illinois as a bland landscape with nothing to offer but Chicago, but boy are they wrong. That 10% of protected land has much to offer.
Just a seven-minute, $9 Uber ride away is the moderately popular Skokie River Nature Preserve. This preserve is overseen by Lake Forest Open Lands. This area is perfect for a casual weekend activity, or a Sunday-scaries recovery walk.
There are 3.6 miles of trails in this area, with many loops and bridges. These trails provide access to McLaughlin Meadow; one of the best remaining savannahs in all of Illinois. This meadow has over 200 different species in it, with several rare plants. According to Open Lands, the White Lady’s Orchid, a threatened species in Illinois, was rediscovered in the preserve in 2009.
Despite the preserve’s small size, the ecological diversity is immense. The many meadows differ in shrubs and vegetation, offering a unique view into the past landscape of our surroundings.
Shaw Prairie, another part of the preserve, is an untouched wonderland of plants. It has survived without being grazed or dug up and remains a sanctuary for endangered plants. On the Shaw Prairie loop is the recently updated Swinging Bridge. This is an exciting change in terrain, as you are suspended over the Skokie River and can sway or jump around.
Some Things to Keep in Mind:
While the plants are still quite beautiful in early fall, I recommend visiting this preserve in the warmer or wetter months. It is likely that the preserve’s true colors will come out when the shrubs are not dried and brown. However, it is never too late to visit and take a walk!
So, next time you’re feeling up for a short outdoor adventure, keep in mind Skokie River Nature Preserve and remember to always be respectful of the outdoors.
