Sullivan Woods
On the south edge of Vernon Hills, bordering the North Central RR tracks
north of Port Clinton Rd., lies 41 acres of largely forgotten Park District
land, known as Sullivan Woods.
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North Entrance
A temporary culvert placed in the Seavey ditch allows construction equipment
to prepare the foundation for a bridge to be placed later. The ditch comes
from the north on the right. The trail will connect through a park at the
top of the hill.
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Golf Course Neighbor
Without the bridges, the golf course provided the easiest access from the
north. The grass in the foreground is a european transplant, requiring
frequent watering, fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, and cutting. On
the other side of the fence are native grasses, flowering plants, trees,
and wildlife, waiting to be rejuvenated by fire. Which side of the fence
really grows greener?
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Confluence
The Seavey ditch joins Indian Creek. Overgrowth of light blocking invasive
brush has choked out deep-rooted native grasses, leading to stream bank
erosion. Restoration could make this a very inviting place.
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Magnificent Burr Oaks
A sparser canopy invites savannah wildflowers below. Few trees were sacrificed
to admit the path. Many toe paths, evidence of wildlife and kids, course
through the woods. Would this area be better with a nature center building,
or left more natural?
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RR Overpass
This already existing underpass behind the cemetery connects the middle
of the path with a spur to the Metra station. Cutting under the tracks
offers a nice walk in place of a circuitous car trip.
Craig Malin, Assistant Manager, was my tour guide, and has pursued
the ISTEA funding.
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Metra Station
In the distance to the north is the roof line of the new Vernon Hills station.
Guess what the concrete tiles are for ...
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Wildflower Invitation
Previously overgrown with invasive brush, this route was cleared as a possible
route for the path, but abandoned. Wildflowers will likely sprout, especially
with periodic proscribed burns, and additional seed from area forest preserves
...
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South Crossing
Indian Creek escapes the dense overgrowth in the center of the photo,
awaiting a long bridge to span the floodplain. |
