Dick Young Forest Preserve, IL

The geologic features of the site provide a window to the origins of the northern Illinois landscape. On the east side of the preserve is Nelson Lake Marsh, which lies in a depression created by the weight of glacial ice more than 10,000 years ago. A smaller prairie pothole, similarly formed, is evident near the north entrance to the preserve off Main Street. Moraines to the north and west of the marsh were created by the deposition of rocks, boulders and gravel from retreating glaciers.

Over time, several soil types formed in this vast and varied landscape. Soil and weather together influenced the development of wetland, woodland and prairie communities. A rich diversity of fauna evolved within these plant communities.

A century of agriculture and peat mining in the marsh diminished the habitat value of the area. Nelson Lake and its surrounding land were in danger of further decline when a small but dedicated group of individuals organized to preserve and restore the lake. This group, including the late naturalist Dick Young, spread the word among conservationists and the general public. With the support of this group, District teamed up with The Nature Conservancy in 1979 to purchase the core 178 acres of wetland and marsh.

Its winter and we have a 3.6 mile hike around Nelson Lake through the Dick Young Forest Preserve. I got snow shoes for Christmas and I’m trying them out for the first time today. Watch our playlist to see how well I do with these snowshoes.

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It was early in the season and we needed to put on the snowshoes. We welcome Neil to the hike. It’s great to have the family out hiking around a prairie. The volume is loud.

The hike is around the preserve and we have a great view of a prairie in the winter. We also have a family discussion about the sun and the moon while we look directly at the sun. Although not recommended in person, this video makes it easy to see what we are talking about. Be sure and use the 360° tools to see everything.

I tell the story about our Sandhill Crane encounter in Chain O’Lakes State Park (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ua4z…​). The view of the prairie behind us and throughout the hike was spectacular. It’s cold and there is ice on the branches of the prairie growth, which makes the sun gleam.

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We talk about hiking in the snow, with and without snow shoes. The snow creates calm and stillness. Tell us about your adventures while snow hiking in the comments below.

Although this is flat terrain and icy, the snow shoes come in handy. This is Neil’s first time wearing snowshoes and he liked it. Although this hike is only 3.6 miles, Dick Young Forest Preserve is perfect for snowshoes.

The winter prairie and Nelson Lake give us a perfect winter hiking experience. We were all surprised at how beautiful is a natural prairie.

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Somewhere in the foreground is a pheasant. This is the first time we see a pheasant during our hikes, another surprise hidden by the prairie.

If we have not talked enough about the prairie, we film the visual difference between a farm and prairie. Use the 360° controls to take a look around.

When you come out to this hike, the silo is the primary marker to find your way around. I enjoyed my first time wearing snow shoes and look forward to wearing them again.

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