Unlike other wetlands, such as ponds and marshes, fens are created from cool , clear underground springs. As a result, fens are refuges for many plants and animals that are found nowhere else in our region.
We will explore the hidden fen at Elsen's Hill in West DuPage Woods, with an emphasis on the unique plants that can be found there, such as Angelica, Winterberry, and Grass of Parnassus. If time allows, we will also explore a small but very special remnant prairie.
Participants will be given handouts for the species covered, as well as clipboards and pencils for notetaking. We encourage you to bring a hand lens to help you see details on the plants and flowers, or binoculars should we encounter some of the special wildlife that can be found in the fen.
The walk begins at the Elsen's Hill Parking Lot for West DuPage Woods (located on the north side of Gary's Mill Rd, about halfway between Winfield Rd and Roosevelt Rd). Water friendly footware, or boat shoes are strongly recommended to allow you to explore the fen intimately!
About your teacher:
Pat Armstrong has dedicated her life to teaching about local and edible wild plants, with classes at the Morton Arboretum, College of DuPage, and The Resiliency Institute. Sustain DuPage is proud to be working with Pat to help our community better understand and connect with our local ecosystems.
Sustain DuPage is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to growing sustainability in DuPage County. To learn more, visit our website: www.sustaindupage.org
