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TROUT PARK NATURE PRESERVE Trout Park Nature Preserve Trout Park Nature Preserve is a magical place. Numerous seeps of water spring forth, converging into tumbling streams that fall to the river. Ravines and bluffs weave in and around the springs and wet meadows. Moisture loving trees cast their shade over a lush carpet of diverse wild flowers. This cool, moist environment gives rise to vegetation that is usually only seen in a more northerly climate. Sheltered within the hillsides and nurtured by the rich spring water, a unique habitat exits, unlike any other in the state. Uncommon species of plants and invertebrates that could not survive on the open prairie find a sanctuary here. This rare natural community is termed a forested fen. Forested Fen A fen is a special type of wetland. The water in a fen has a high pH level, unlike the acidity of a bog. Water seeps from the hillsides in Trout Park after flowing underground, passing through glacial deposits of limestone This has caused the water to pick up many minerals, such as calcium carbonate, and become alkaline. Certain plants have adapted to this special growing condition. Northern White Cedar or Arborvitae, a slow-growing evergreen tree, flourishes in the calcium rich, moisture laden soil. Characteristic of forested fens and highly vulnerable to prairie fires, Arborvitae has a refuge in Trout Park. An interesting feature of the highly calcareous streams appears when the water evaporates. Deposits of calcium carbonate form and are called tufa or marl. Recognized as crumbly, whitish rock, tufa can be found throughout the preserve. History Since the turn of the century people have been drawn to the beauty of Trout Park Botanists, horticulturists, scientists and students of nature have been intrigued by the unusual and diverse plant life. In the early 1920s the botanical richness of the area was recognized by local citizens when the City of Elgin began purchasing the land. For many years the area was known as the Elgin Botanical Gardens. In 1957 approximately a quarter of the park was condemned in order for the Northwest Tollway (Interstate 90) to be built. This condemnation was opposed by many state and national conservation groups and local residents. Although no accurate botanical records are available, tollway construction reportedly destroyed part of the richest ravine and seep community. In 1972 Trout Park was awarded some protection when it was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. It has been recognized by the state as having unique and irreplaceable natural features that must be secured against development. Restoration As a natural area within an urban setting, Trout Park Nature Preserve receives heavy public use. This usage, cupled with a lack of awareness of the rarity and fragileness of the site by many visitors, presents a major threat to the entire ecosystem. The steep hills in the preserve are easily eroded. Loss of vegetation due to trampling and removal heightens the problem. Siltation from erosion clogs the streams and leads to the loss of aquatic life. Plant species from Europe and Asia have invaded the streams and woodlands, choking out native vegetation. Since 1982 a committed group of volunteers has been striving to restore and maintain the integrity of the preserve. Working under the guidance of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the Nature Conservancy of Illinois, the Friends of Trout Park volunteer their time in monitoring species, collecting and dispersing seeds of native wildflowers, grasses, and trees, removing non-native vegetation, maintaining trails, and leading wildflowers walks. Their efforts are aimed toward ensuring that this unique natural area will be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. Caution Poison Ivy is present throughout the preserve, especially along wet areas. Stay on the trails and do not touch any plant that you cannot identify. Baseball Supports the Preserve The baseball program supports the restoration and the preservation of the Trout Park Nature Preserve. The preserve provides a beautiful natural green backdrop to the baseball park. The volunteers of the baseball program work with those of the nature preserve to keep the area clean and safe. This joint effort insures that the park and the trail provide a wonderful experience for its visitors. Trout Park Nature Preserve trail guides are available at the baseball park concession stand. These guides detail the trail and provide a description of the wildlife, trees and foliage in the preserve. |
