Is this where the sand dunes used to be? We are standing at the edge of Jurgensen Woods Nature Preserve. It’s hard to believe this tranquil oasis was once part of a vast sandy plain formed by the ancient glacial Lake Chicago. Designated as the 6th Illinois Nature Preserve in January 1965, Jurgensen Woods protects a rare slice of history. The preserve spans 120 acres and is a sanctuary for unique plant communities that thrive in sandy soil. As you wander the trails, imagine a landscape of shrub prairies and sand flatwoods. These habitats are a botanist’s dream, home to species like purple chokeberry, hardhack, and low bush blueberry. Look closely, and you might spot Kalm’s St. John’s wort, sweetfern or even the delicate grass pink orchid. Jurgensen Woods, along with the nearby Thornton-Lansing Road Nature Preserve, stands as a testament to the natural heritage of the southern Chicago Lake Plain. These woods offer us a glimpse into the past, a time before concrete and skyscrapers, a reminder of the beauty that can endure.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to