Midewin is a prairie in restoration. Yet, it also boasts a mosaic of habitats, including rich, moist woodlands. In spring, woodlands are the first areas to burst forth into heavenly blooms. Spring ephemerals, plants that bloom for a short time, burst forth in flowers before the trees leaf out. Come enjoy the gems of our woodlands before their blooms fade for another year. These beauties don't all blossom at the same time but in succession. More than one trip might be needed to see them all. Blooms usually begin appearing from March through April and into May. Mother nature controls the exact bloom time.
REMEMBER:
STAY ON PATHS TO PROTECT DELICATE FLOWERS.
PICKING FLOWERS MEANs FLOWERS CANNOT CREATE SEEDS FOR NEW PLANTS.
Two great sites to see spring ephemerals at Midewin are Prairie Creek Wood Trail & Prairie Farmer Interpretive Route. Maps & directions from the Welcome Center are below.
Turn LEFT onto Rt. 53 head south
Turn RIGHT 2nd stop light (River Road)
Travel about 2 miles to Boathouse Rd.
Turn LEFT at Boathouse Rd.
Head north, pass kiosk on Left, turn RIGHT into lot
Exit your car & head to North end of parking lot
Pass vaulted toilets & go through people gate
Turn RIGHT onto road & go North about 100-200 ft
Turn LEFT as trees end onto mowed trail
Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 53
Travel north about 2.5 miles
Get into RIGHT lane
Pass under bridge & get into turn lane
Turn RIGHT
Travel up gravel drive to parking lot
Head to trail at south end of lot to start tour
Ron Kapala (Photographer/Volunteer)
Tom Coyne (Photographer/Volunteer)
Delane Strohmeyer (Trail Maps/USDA: Forest Service)
Siobhan Solkowski-Peacy (Writer, Narrator, Photographer & STQRY Developmental Co-ordinator/USDA: Forest Service)