FT7 - Illinois Beach State Park

Day: Saturday 7/7
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Trip Leader: Debra Nelson
Email Address: Debra.Nelson@Illinois.gov

Trip Limit: 20

At over 3000 acres, Illinois Beach State Park contains the largest single tract of undeveloped coastal habitat left in Illinois. It includes 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and two dedicated Nature Preserves, Illinois Beach Nature Preserve (the State's first dedicated Nature Preserve), and North Dunes Nature Preserve. These preserves are natural areas of exceptional quality that support a diverse variety of plants and animals as a result of the site's unique coastal beach ridge and swale topography. Within the preserves are found 14 high quality natural communities, at least 31 state-listed endangered and threatened species, and habitat for 4 federally endangered species. We will view dune, interdunal wetland (panne), prairie, and black oak sand savanna communities. We will discuss on-going restoration efforts, Pitcher's Thistle reintroduction efforts, the lake's influence on the natural resources, and threats to the ecosystem due to invasive species and landscape changes.Participants should be prepared for hiking and dress for the weather. It is often colder and windier along the lake so plan accordingly. ENROLLMENT LIMIT: 20 - The sensitivity of the area necessitates a groupsize not to exceed 20 individuals