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Nature Hike

Outdoor Event

Enjoy vistas of another era as you walk about one mile off the pavement and into prairie wilderness along the Savannah Trail. This hike will be led by Pat Hayes, Site Steward, FPCC. Signup required.

This hike will be led by Pat Hayes, Site Steward, FPCC. We will be walking Savannah Trail, with frequent stopping and interpretation. This is a unpaved trail winding through restoration areas. 

Things to be aware of:

• We will be following the FDCC visitor precautions and guidelines related to COVID-19. All unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible. Please follow these guidelines to ensure your visit to a preserve or time on the trail is as safe as possible. More information can be found on the FDCC website.
  
  
• You’ll take a walk on the wild side, off the pavement and into prairie wilderness, enjoying vistas of another era. 
  
  
• Dress for the weather and hiking. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and socks that cover your ankles. Long pants and a hat with a brim are recommended. 
  
  
• Bring binoculars and a camera if desired.
  
  
• In the case of inclement weather this event will need to be canceled.  
  
  
• This program is not held at the library. We will be meeting at Orland Grassland.
  
  
• This walk is not intended for children.

Getting There: Orland Grassland is located at LaGrange Road and 167th Street in Orland Park, Illinois, just off Interstate-80. We will be meeting in the Orland Grassland South parking lot, on the east side of 104th Avenue, south of 179th.

Take a trip back in time, exploring the landscapes, habitats, and views found in our region long ago! Located in the south suburbs and managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Orland Grassland is an exceptional display of the expansive prairies that used to stretch across the region. More than 10,000 years ago, glaciers left behind this rolling landscape and made Orland Grassland one of the higher elevation points in Cook County. On a clear day you can even spot the Chicago Skyline!

This Forest Preserve of Cook County and Illinois Land and Water Reserve is a local treasure, an Audubon designated Important Bird Area grassland filled with prairie uplands and swales, wetland, ponds and streams, shrubland, savanna’s and woodland. 20 years of restoration on 1,000 open acres are providing habitat for hundreds of native flora and fauna species. Orland Grassland is one of the largest grassland habitats in all of Cook County. Starting in 2002, this 960-acre preserve has been transformed from farmland back into a grassland complex with prairies, wetlands, open ponds, oak savannas, and woodlands.