Margery Carlson Nature Preserve 04-21-2016

The day started out with a little bit of sun.  Not sure of the temperature but it was comfortable.  A little humidity crept in about 1/2 way through the hike.  We met in the lobby of the Lodge at 9:00a.m.  I told everyone where we were going to hike today, as a Nature Preserve was on the schedule.  We only go to a Nature Preserve a couple of times a year.  There are no trails in the Nature Preserve, so you are on your own.  I chose the Margery Carlson Nature Preserve for the wildflowers that I thought were blooming there.  It also has the great view of the Vermillion River.

This preserve is named in memory of Margery Carlson, who was instrumental in protecting the area, formerly known as Big Bend Nature Preserve. Carlson was a founder of the Illinois chapter of The Nature Conservancy, serving the chapter as its first secretary and later as trustee.  234.34 acres. Donated in 1976 and more was added in 1978

Not many spaces in the parking lot.  Many had to park in on the road.  Today we had 33 hikers.  There was another group of 8 that stayed at Starved Rock and hiked to Wildcat Canyon. 

 

Parking lot is small

The invasive Garlic Mustard. 

Blue Phlox, If you can crouch down and smell this flower it is very fragrant.  I think they smell like lilacs.

I finally got to see a blooming Prairie Trillium this year.  One of my favorites!

This was a surprise.  Wild Ginger.  I thought these didn't come up until later in the year.  Notice the small maroon flower at the base of the plant.  What a treat!

Wild Geranium, the plant was everywhere, however I just found these 2 blooms. 

Not to many Jack in the Pulpits out there. There will be more to come.

Bishop Cap was everywhere.  Also called Miterwort

Bishops Cap near a mossy log

Great showing of False Rue Anemone

Squirrel Corn

The Vermillion River

Vermillion River

Shells along the shore of the Vermillion River

We like to get a group photo from time to time.  Great backdrop with the Vermillion River

Rocky beach

Virginia Bluebells

Broken bridge is always an attraction.  I have no idea what its purpose once was.

A field of Mayapples, none are blooming yet.

An apple is at the base of the Mayapple.  This apple will eventually turn into a white flower.

Buttercup

Yellow Wood Violet

We are on our way back up hill to the parking lot

Heading back

I will leave you with this: “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” —Theodore Roosevelt