NATURAL AREAS
Our Natural Areas
LYMANWOODS AND THE BELMONT PRAIRIE are unique natural areas that offer opportunities for natural and historical interpretation as well as programs for outdoor recreation and education. Fee-based programs for organized groups can be arranged by calling 630.963.9388. Dogs, bikes and
motorized vehicles are not allowed at either LymanWoods or Belmont Prairie. Thank you for your cooperation..
Interpretive Center. Formore information, please call 630.963.9388.
Belmont Prairie
Belmont Prairie is a 25-acre site encompassing one of the last original prairies in Illinois.
Located west of the Downers Grove Golf Course at Cross Street and Haddow Avenue, the prairie supportsmore than 300 species of plants, eight species of mammals, four species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous birds. A dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, Belmont Prairie is an educational resource for residents of Downers Grove and surrounding communities. Belmont Prairie is open every day fromdawn to dusk. The Belmont Prairie parking lot is north of the intersection of Cross Street and Haddow Avenue. Programs and volunteer workdays meet at this parking area.
LymanWoods
TheWilliamF. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center is located at 901 31st Street, approximately two blocks east of Highland Avenue.
Interpretive Center hours are:
Tues-Thur & Sun ..........1:00 - 4:00 pm Saturday.........................9:00 am- 4:00 pm Monday & Friday..........Closed
Grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk.
Inside the Interpretive Center you will find nature exhibits and activities, program offerings, washrooms, a drinking fountain, and first aid. Feel free to ask questions of our talented staff and volunteers. Programs and volunteer workdaysmeet at the
70 • Summer 2010
The Interpretive Center is a starting point for your exploration of more than 150 acres of old- and second-growth oak woods,meadow, andmarsh.Hike the more than twomiles of marked trails and discovermore than 400 species of plants, some of which are rare in the Chicago region. Youmay see white-tailed deer, great horned owls, red fox, coyote, and Cooper’s hawks on your walk if you are in the right place at the right time.
Several unique geographical features await you in LymanWoods. An upland shallow glacial depression holds watermuch of the year in the oak forest. Three kames, or glacially deposited hills of gravel, support two remnant prairies and an oak grove. Themost outstanding feature is 19 acres of virtually undisturbed oak woods existing since the Lyman family purchased the land in 1839. Today it serves as one of the few examples of the pre-settlement landscape that once dominated the Downers Grove area. The purchase of themany parcels that make up LymanWoods represents the cooperative efforts of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Downers Grove Park District, the Village of Downers Grove, andmany dedicated individuals.
T.I.M.B.E.R. Packs
Explore the woods with the help of TIMBER packs! TIMBER packs include everything you need for your self-guided journey of LymanWoods. Each pack has a different theme (trees, insects,mammals, birds, and early residents) and contains tools for your adventure, including identification books,magnifiers and biofacts.Use the included activities to challenge your group to use their senses, identify plants, find animal tracks, listen for bird songs, and explore geological history.
TIMBER packs are perfect for families, youth groups and school classes visiting LymanWoods. Check out a different pack each time you visit! A valid driver's license is all that is required to check out backpacks. Backpacks are available at the Interpretive Center, 901 31st St., on Tuesdays,Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from1:00 to 4:00 pmand Saturdays from9:00 amto 4:00 pm.At least one adultmust accompany each group.
School and Youth Group Programs
We offer exciting educational programs for schools, scouts, homeschoolers, and other organized youth groups!Whether your group wants to identify trees, feed the birds, or explore the trails, our knowledgeable and fun naturalists will lead the way! The length and fee for youth group programs varies by age group and topic. Please call 630.963.9388 or visit the Natural Areas pages at
www.dgparks.org for program brochures and registration information.
A Forest Preserve District of DuPage County “LymanWoods” patch is available for youth groups at Deicke Scout Shop in West Chicago.We are also part of the “Green DuPage” patch offered by the DuPage County Environmental Education Program. Call SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education) at 630.545.9710 formore information.
Special thanks to the Grove Foundation for Recreation for their support of the St.Mary’s fifth gradeWetlands Education Program, and to the Pierce Downer Heritage Alliance, Grove Foundation for Recreation, and Education Foundation for their support of the first grade “Little Sprouts” program. Both programs are designed for local students to support the school district’s science curriculum.
www.dgparks.org • 630.963.1300
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