NATURAL AREAS
Nature Interpretation at Lyman Woods & the Belmont Prairie
more than 400 species of plants, three kames, white-tailed deer, great horned owls, red fox, coyote, Cooper’s hawks and more. The most outstanding feature is 19 acres of virtually undisturbed oak woods existing since the Lyman family purchased the land in 1839. The purchase of the many parcels that make up Lyman Woods represents the cooperative efforts of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Downers Grove Park District, the Village of Downers Grove, and many dedicated individuals.
T.I.M.B.E.R. Packs 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 supports more 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 from dawn to dusk.
Lyman Woods
The William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center is located at 901 31st Street. 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 volunteers and staff. For more information, please call 630.963.9388.
The Interpretive Center is a starting point for your exploration of more than 150 acres of old- and second-growth oak woods, meadow, and marsh. Hike the more than two miles of marked trails to discover
68 • Autumn 2010
Volunteer Opportunities at Our Natural Areas Natural Areas volunteers help with everything from greeting visitors and office work to restoring Downers Grove’s natural areas. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Pat Semple, Volunteer Coordinator, at 630.963.1304 or
psemple@dgparks.org.
R.E.A.P. (Restore, Educate & Preserve)
R.E.A.P. is a volunteer group dedicated to restoring and protecting the natural areas managed by the Downers Grove Park District. Volunteers assist the district’s staff in land management activities, teaching outdoor education and recreation programs at both Lyman Woods and the Belmont Prairie, and assisting staff in the Interpretive Center.
R.E.A.P. Volunteer workdays
Workdays are held on selected Saturdays from 9 – 11:30 am. Volunteers must register at least one week in advance of the scheduled workday. Volunteer workdays can be arranged for organized groups upon request. Please contact Pat Semple, Volunteer Coordinator, at 630.963.1304 or
psemple@dgparks.org for more information.
FALL WORKDAYS Belmont Prairie .......September 11, October 16 Lyman Woods ..........November 20
www.dgparks.org • 630.963.1300
Check out a TIMBER Pack to help you explore Lyman Woods! TIMBER Packs contain tools like magnifiers, bug boxes, identification guides, and activities for your family or group to use free of charge. Choose from Trees, Insects, Mammals, Birds, or Early Residents and then explore the grounds using materials found in your pack. Check out your pack during Interpretive Center hours with a valid driver’s license.
Group Program Opportunities at Lyman Woods
Bring your group to Lyman Woods for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Our educational programs have been designed for many audiences, including schools, homeschoolers, scouts, and youth groups. Participants discover the wonders of nature through outdoor exploration, games, stories, crafts, and activities about the natural world. The program length and fee for group programs varies. Please visit the Natural Areas page at
www.dgparks.org or call 630.963.9388 for program and registration information.
Special thanks to the Grove Foundation for Recreation for their support of the St. Mary’s fifth grade Wetlands Education Program, and to the Pierce Downer Heritage Alliance, Grove Foundation for Recreation, and Education Foundation for their support of the School District 58 first grade Little Sprouts program. Both programs are designed for local students to support local school district science curriculum.
PLEASE NOTE: there are no dogs, bikes or motorized vehicles allowed at either Lyman Woods or Belmont Prairie. Thank you for your cooperation.
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