RPG Outings Rock!

Come Explore, Enjoy and Protect with us.

Starved Rock: On April 26, we had 20 people signed up and come for a hike at Starved Rock State Park. On the hike, the group discussed the degradation of the trails due to lack of maintenance and overuse. This is a problem across the country as funding decreases and use increases. Outing Leader Ed Max identified wildflowers along the way, and leader Mike Davis discussed the park’s geology, including the sandstone deposits being discussed for fracking use. These two guys are a great team on many of our outings.

Glacial Park, McHenry County: Mike Davis led a geological interpretive hike on May 17 to discuss the glacial formations at this county park near Richmond, IL. Although there was some steep terrain the pace was not rushed as there were numerous stops where the geology was explained and discussed. This was an ideal hike for anyone wanting a greater grasp of the glacial history of NE Illinois.

Upcoming!

Bluff Spring Fen: On June 26, our dynamic team of Ed and Mike will again pair up for a great hike and talk at this original prairie area abutting a very old cemetery. This is a special outing, with beautiful vistas and a variety of ecosystems. Our annual fen wildflower ramble never disappoints!  With over 450 species of wildflowers (many threatened), plus seeps that run cold, year-round, plus spectacular kames-you will be treated to a fun, educational hike, led by naturalist Ed Max and Mike Davis. This is an easy hike, with a few hills, and a loop trail. We try to start early, as the prairie can get warm by mid-day. A hat is a good idea! You’ll cross wetland stream beds, see huge stands of Black Berries, (not raspberries, but the big ones), usually at least 5 types of milkweed and interesting rock and glacial deposits. Sign up here.

Glacial Ridge Work Day: Would you like to help restore a local Woodland? Bruce Blake of the River Prairie Group is also a steward for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage and leads the restoration efforts at this very special location. Churchill Woods/ Glacial Ridge Forest Preserve is located at Walnut Glen Park, 860 Walnut St, Glen Ellyn, IL. We are working on restoring a unique local forest preserve in Glen Ellyn where two sets of tracks once stood on the north and south side of the area, protecting it from farming practices. Now the Illinois Prairie Path and the Union Pacific West line border the area.  A ridge trail provides a fun overlook of the area as well. Join us and learn what flowers and trees grow in a local forest. There are several days to sign up for. See our Calendar here.