Hiking the Trails of Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve in Dundee Township, Illinois

A recent late summer hike brought us to the 66-acre Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve in Dundee Township, Illinois. The northeastern Illinois nature preserve features a rare dry prairie, a fen, sedge meadowlands, woodlands and more. Trails weaving throughout the preserves highlight different natural features and allow hikers to craft unique hikes on each visit.

Tranquil creek trickling through Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve.

 

Upon entering the preserve, we located a map showing the trails. Additionally, the map provides interesting information about the ecosystems, natural history and wildlife of the preserve. I truly appreciated the details provided on the map. These details enriched the nature experience.

A wooden bridge beckons for exploration.

Dixie Creek and Wilson Creek meander and meet within Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve. A variety of bridges cross over the streams. The flora was pretty lush near the streams which was lovely. The serene trickle of the creeks ushered in zen moments.

Summer's Prairie Wildflowers

The prairie was ablaze with the golden wildflowers of late summer. I love, love, love how the prairie turns brilliant shades of yellow this time of year. Quite an uplifting display of nature!

A natural trail winds through the woodlands.

Dixie Briggs-Fromm once owned a horse farm upon the land. Her wish was to keep this spectacular green space wild and free. The preserve was obtained by the township in 1998. Restoration efforts support and have brought back a large range of native plants including some rare species. We are so fortunate to be able to experience this natural treasure!

Breathtaking View From A Ridge

The nature preserve is part of the Barlina Moraine lending rockiness to the terrain. Walking long a slight ridge, we savored a splendid and sweeping view of an undulating grassland. Stunning!

Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve invites nature lovers to explore treasures within the preserve. The varied habitats within the preserve treat with such a range of experiences. We look forward to hiking in Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve again basking in the natural jewels of the preserve.