Chicago is surrounded by six counties, and over the last 100 years, these counties have each created forest preserve districts. I have a brief history of this process here.
I live in Lake County and my subdivision abuts the Millennium Trail which connects to the Ft. Hill Trail. Lake County Forest preserve District protects nearly 31,000 acres and is the second largest Forest Preserve District in Illinois. Below is a pond alongside the Millennium Trail and this year the resident swan family has four kids seen here. I see them most every time I bike past here.
The trail traverses the back section of the former Wauconda Orchard. Most of its fruit trees had been sold off, but some remain and each spring the trail is ablaze with blossoms...
The Millennium Trail takes me four miles to Lakewood Forest Preserve where I can turn onto the Fort Hill Trail which is now ablaze with colorful wildflowers seen below in Ray Lake Preserve. On today's ride, an otter scampered across the trail in front of me. Cute sight!
There is a "rest stop" at the large pond where you can often observe water fowl...
The Ft. Hill Trail passes through the former Four Winds Golf Course, and a short detour onto the Loop Trail (the old paved golf cart path) rewards you with
A water hazard from the old golf course provides more scenic views as seen in the next few photos...
I was frightened by a huge adult great blue heron as I crossed this bridge a few years ago. It had been sleeping in the tall reeds and my passage frightened him and he took off nearly hitting me with his enormous (and powerful) wingspan...
Here's the view looking the other way from the bridge (you can barely make out the bridge at the far end of the water hazard)...
When they opened this area up to hikers/bikers, they improved the bridge deck and added the railings. Previously, there was just a 4x4 on each side to keep golf carts out of the water.
Here's one of my favorite shots at the old golf course. It must have had lovely landscaping back then, and over the years, the flower beds have reverted back to Mother Nature's wishes. It's very interesting to watch every year as forests of saplings take over the old fairways and greens.
I often see wildlife on my rides, and this sandhill crane family is around every year...
Deer are also a regular sighting along the trail...
Last October I noticed that beavers had taken on a huge project. I've been watching each ride, but so far no sign of them continuing their efforts. I wonder if the preserve biologists captured and moved them? The tree is already dead, so I doubt they were captured.
Fall is also a lovely time on the trail...
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