History, Revitalization of Nature, and Peace at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois

 

Mellody Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois entices visitors with a blend of nature and history. The preserve offered me the perfect little getaway on a winter's day. The 50-acre Mellody Farm Nature Preserve rests adjacent to the larger 514-acre Middlefork Savanna Preserve. Despite its small size, Mellody Farm Nature Preserve quickly envelopes visitors in a fantastic nature and history adventure.

Majestic entry gates from the original 1909 estate captivate immediately at Mellody Farm.

I originally learned about the preserve after stumbling upon pictures of the original entry gates that remain from that site's 1909 estate. So, I had to visit to see this beautiful piece history -- and the view did not disappoint!

The Italian Renaissance Gatehouse is now  the Lockhart Family Nature Center.

The entry gates were part of  J. Ogden Armour's 1909 estate which is now Lake Forest Academy. The Italian Renaissance gatehouse next to the gates has been transformed into the Lockhart Family Nature Center. J. Ogden Armour inherited his fortune from his father meatpacking magnate  Philip Danforth Armour and would lose much of his fortunate after attempting to unsuccessfully corner the wheat market in the 1920s. He lost nearly everything including Mellody Farm.

The Jens Jensen tear drop pond mystifies even in winter
with its icy form surrounded by barren trees and snow.

The land was under private ownership until 1994 when Lake Forest Open Lands acquired it. The preserve had suffered from substantial grazing, Fortunately, Lake Forest Open Lands embarked on remarkable restoration efforts of which we are the beneficiaries today. 

Mellody Farm offers an interesting Lake Forest hiking experience.

A Jens Jensen council ring looks over the pond.

Even with the winter snowy slush, I found the trails easy to navigate, weaving me in and out of sections of woodlands. I did locate the Jens Jensen council ring which had been donated by the Steiner family. As one of the landscape architects of Mellody Farm, Jens Jensen beautifully molded the property with his hallmark flare for showing off our beautiful native flora. Elements of his design still remain including the restored tear drop pond, eastern red cedars, and a stone retaining wall.

Evergreens rise above the snow covered prairie and
the remaining straw grasses of last year at Mellody Farm.

Restored woodlands, wetlands, and prairie welcome wanderers to a variety of landscapes and experiences. From the wetlands, a chorus of frogs can be heard in the spring. My mind floats to warmer days when I think of the frog chorus -- a sure sign that the seasons are heading to brighter days! Future ambles at Mellody Farm will unfold new nature experiences for sure.

Fox sculpture along a trail with a view of the tear drop pond.

The North Shore Bike Path runs adjacent to one side of the preserve and the Donald Rogers Memorial Trail runs through -- both giving bikers access to the preserve. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at this preserve. However, Mellody Farm presents a unique treasure to visit in the Chicago suburbs.