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.

DIRECTIONS: Welcome Center to Prairie Creek Woods Trail

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

DIRECTIONS: Welcome Center to Prairie Farmer Interpretive Route

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

Spring Blossom Team

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)