OK, so it happened – I missed a day!
It was bound to happen, but at least I made it well past 200!
So, one post in a row…
We got out today, to a forest preserve that preserves more than forest… Fort Sheridan!
When the base closed in 1993, most of the land was divided between developers and the Lake County Forest Preserve District. After several lawsuits and other setbacks, the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve was completed in 2001.
The water tower can be seen from many points in the preserve
The trails wind around the northern part of the former base, encircling a large open space that used to be an airstrip. The area is also home to several ravines, unique to the lake shore, and access to Lake Michigan itself.
Looking east where an airstrip and hangers used to be
We saw a lot of butterflies here, mostly the little yellow one (orange sulphur?) in the feature photo.
A black swallowtail posed for me
The plant life also varied from what we’ve been seeing. The goldenrods are coming into bloom, as well as Queen Anne’s lace and this yellow flower that I haven’t identified yet:
Anyone know what this is?
I don’t know what this is, but it looks like it’s going to bloom sometime soon
Tomorrow – Lake Michigan
