Here at St. Paul Woods Picnic Shelter Grove 3, nature and community intertwine. St. Paul Woods offers multiple picnic shelters. Grassy areas are here for all to relax. St. Paul Woods is situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Imagine this place long ago. The Public Land Survey indicates diverse trees once thrived. Bur oak, white oak, hickory, elm, ash and basswood were plentiful. An open canopy fostered a rich understory. Young oak seedlings grew strong.
But things changed in St. Paul Woods. Without fire, sugar maple and basswood took over. They shaded out many plants on the forest floor. Deer became over-abundant making it difficult for the woodland to renew itself.
Today, management is helping St. Paul Woods recover. Volunteers remove buckthorn and other weedy species. These efforts protect our native ecosystems. The goal is to bring back healthy woodland conditions.
St. Paul Woods is more than just trees and plants. It’s a vital part of the North Branch Trail. The trail links forest preserves and green spaces. It stretches from Chicago to the Botanic Gardens in Glencoe.
The North Branch Trail is excellent for walking, hiking, biking and trail running. A 13-mile paved stretch connects Caldwell Woods to Skokie Lagoons. Natural trails wind through the woodlands. A 4-mile paved trail loops around Skokie Lagoons. It connects the North Branch Trail to the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Keep in mind there is no way to cross the river within the preserve. The round-trip from Caldwell Woods to the Chicago Botanic Garden is popular. Many long-distance cyclers enjoy the route.
St. Paul Woods Picnic Shelter Grove 3 itself has a capacity of 100 people. St. Paul Woods also offers volunteer opportunities. Join the North Branch Restoration Project. Protect our native ecosystems.
St. Paul Woods is a place of ongoing restoration. It is a place where community involvement makes a difference. The woods are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Think about the work that goes into preserving this natural space. As you enjoy St. Paul Woods Picnic Shelter Grove 3 remember its history. Remember the efforts to restore its original beauty. Let’s appreciate the beauty of St. Paul Woods.