So, last time we left off with marine plants creating enough oxygen to create an ozone layer in the atmosphere. This blocked the UV radiation that made life on land impossible. Algae colonized wet areas on land, followed by primitive plants without roots or vascular systems. All land plants descended from these early colonizers, with…
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See the largest prairie in Illinois. Wear sturdy boots, pants and be prepared for ticks and chiggers. After visit the Twisted Anchor in Wilmington for drinks, food and conversation.

See rare dolomite prairie and plants. Sturdy boots and relatively short, level walk. Ticks and chiggers. Retire to Twisted Anchor afterward.

See sand savannas and wetlands. Wear sturdy, long pants and bootsfor sandy trails with some off trail on nearly level ground. Expect ticks and chiggers.

Come see some of the biggest prairie in Illinois at Heidecke Lake. Ticks, chiggers and off trail walking. Who could ask for more. Cool off at Carson’s Tap House (823 Liberty St) in Morris afterward.

Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve walk, meet at Kankakee Sands (Will County) parking lot 10 a.m. Boots, sturdy pants, bug spray and lots of off trail walking.

Meet at McKinley Woods Forest Preserve for a 10 a.m. walk to see green flowers and lovely views. Retire for food, drinks and conversation afterward.

Messenger Woods field trip for a Sunday stroll in nature.

Hosted by the Southern Chapter
Hikes, canoe trips, good food, and fellowship
while celebrating our grant recipients and talking native plants!

McKinley Woods FP On Sunday, April 6, I went to McKinley Woods to see how the wildflowers are looking.  No prescribed burn this year so the display is less showy and more uneven than usual as many plants are delayed trying to come up through the leaves, while bare ground and south facing areas are…
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