THK AUDUBON BULLETIN 



47 



The Charm of Ravines 



TO the uninitiated a ravine might well seem a place to be avoided. 

 Steep sides, in rock formation frequently being almost or quite 

 perpendicular, rough eroded bottoms generally crowded with a 

 rank growth of vegetation, deep shade with perhaps a small stream or 

 pools of water, all join to make physical objections to exploring ravines. 



There are, however, many unique attractions in ravines that offset 

 the objections and make of these deeply eroded portions of the landscape 

 a source of pleasure to the lover of the out-of-doors, whether the quest 

 is in search of trees, birds, wild flowers, insects, or animals. 



Would you find maidenhair, fragile bladder or lady ferns, search 

 first a ravine. If you would see rare wildflowers, and unusual trees and 

 vines, a ravine will reveal not only many varieties but also a delightful 

 perfection in those discovered. Plant life growing in ravines has many 

 advantages over that growing in the level places: rich soil washed down 

 from the sides or carried in by streams, shelter from the wind and the 

 hot summer sun, protection from cattle and marauding people bv reason 

 of difficult access. 



With these advantages it is also apparent why birds seek ravines for 

 food, shelter, and nesting sites. 



If vou wish to find birds on a hot summer day, when apparentlv 

 there are none about, go to the nearest ravine. If in winter vou think 

 there are no birds hardv enough to stand the cold, you will be surprised 





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Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz 



Sw m.i.ow Rank, Palos Park 



