86 THE FOREST PRESERVES 



is when the public has awakened to the possibilities for re- 

 search in this practically unexplored region that we will begin 

 to get the real story of this river valley's history. 



From a silviculturist's standpoint the region presents a 

 typical American forest, containing as it does at some point or 

 another colonies of practically all the thoroughbred hardwood 

 trees. For plant life an equally varied field for study is found. 

 In the spring it is fairly carpeted with violets. 



Then with its river bank shrubbery the preserve holds for 

 the visitor additional charms. Add to this the ever-present 

 bird life, the forest-living animals and the water fowl and fish 

 that find a home in the Desplaines and you have a composite 

 picture of this region. 



For the picnicker and camper this preserve was built to 

 order. The river with its grassy-slope banks, ribboned with 

 springs turning their sparkling waters into the stream, is one 

 continuous ideal spot such as bring cries of joy from discover- 

 ers. And it is all a few steps off the river road. 



In beautiful Thatcher Park, large tract of elms and soft 

 maples, that constitutes the southermost end of the river pre- 

 serve there is a cinder-path drive for autos that traverses al- 

 most the entire interior. It strikes into the woodland at Chi- 

 cago Avenue and comes out at Division Street. 



Wheeling Tract 

 How to Get There 



. By automobile take Milwaukee Avenue, skirting preserve in Wheeling 

 Township, via Dundee Road, which leads into preserve. 



By rail take Soo Line Railroad to Wheeling, within walking distance 

 of choicest sections of the preserve, where picknickers congregate by 

 thousands. 



Northwestern Park Tract 

 How to Get There 



By automobile take Milwaukee Avenue to Ballard Road, thence direct 

 into the village of Desplaines. To make the more picturesque river drive, 

 take Washington boulevard to Thatcher avenue, north to River Grove, 

 Grand Avenue west to River Road, which follows river north, the length 

 of the preserve to the village of Desplaines. 



By rail take Chicago and Northwestern Railroad to the village of Des- 

 plaines. 



