Middlefork Savanna

Middlefork Savanna is a of 687 acres (278 ha) nature preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois.[1] Several biomes including oak savannas, dry-mesic prairies, wet-mesic prairies, marshes, deciduous woodlands, and sedge meadows as well as a portion of the North Branch of the Chicago River are found in the preserve. The Middlefork Savanna also contains 25 acres (10 ha) of the “highest quality tallgrass savanna of its kind” in the United States. Such ecosystems are globally endangered.[2] The preserve includes 5.5 miles of gravel trails for hiking and cross-country skiing as well as 4.2 miles of trails for biking.[2] It is managed by Lake County Forest Preserves.

Middlefork Savanna
Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Map showing the location of Middlefork Savanna
Map showing the location of Middlefork Savanna
Location in Illinois
Map showing the location of Middlefork Savanna
Map showing the location of Middlefork Savanna
Location in United States
LocationLake County, Illinois
Nearest cityLake Forest, Illinois
Coordinates42°15′29″N 87°53′18″W
Area687 acres (278 ha)
Established2002
Governing bodyLake Forest Open Lands Association
Website

History

Middlefork Savanna opened to the public in 2002. The preserve’s land was purchased by the Lake County Forest Preserves in phases, the first of which was 43 acres (17 ha) in 1989. The last addition to the preserve was made in 2000.[2]

It is named for the middle fork of the north branch of the Chicago River that passes through the area. The historic Elawa Farm, owned by the City of Lake Forest, is adjacent The preserve is inhabited by endangered species and includes 25 acres highest quality black soil savannah. Many bird species have been documented in the preserve.[3]

The area was once part of a glacial lake. Lake Forest College students have studied at the preserve.[4]

References

Further reading


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