Remnant Illinois Prairie and Wetlands, Nature Restoration, and Hiking at James "Pate" Philip State Park

 

Summer is prairie season here in the Prairie State of Illinois. Much of the original prairie was destroyed to make way for farming, industry, and settlement. Only about one tenth of 1% of native Illinois prairie still exists today.* However, due to the nurturing of remnant prairie as well as restoration efforts, we are able to once again enjoy the prairie's tall grasses and vibrant flowers. James "Pate" Philip State Park preserves sections of remnant prairie as well as maintains a restoration effort allowing Chicago area residents a perfect spot for experiencing this native ecosystem.

Vibrant prairie flowers including wild bergamot dazzle in
 the summer at James "Pate" Philip State Park.

Hiking at  James "Pate" Philip State Park

With nearly 4-miles of trails, visitors to James "Pate" Philip State Park will easily find plenty of nature to experience. Trails are easy to navigate and pretty flat, opening up the preserve to a wide range of hikers. While hiking, note the rocks the mark the trails helping with navigation.

Trail markers at James "Pate" Philip State Park help with navigation.

The north branch of Brewester Creek traverses the preserve. Much of the preserve once was farmland which was eventually restored to prairie. However, remnant prairie and remnant wetland thrive within the preserve as well offering touchstones to these original Illinois ecosystems. These ecosystems serve as habitats for several endangered and threatened species including Blanding's turtles.

Interesting Fact: The oldest known Blanding's turtle lived to be over 83-years-old.

The north branch of Brewester Creek flows through the preserve.

 A late summer visit found the prairie fully alive with brilliant blooms and the songs of birds. Summer -- particularly midsummer -- is the best time to visit the prairie. 

As restoration efforts continue at James "Pate" Philip State Park, ecosystems within the preserve will continue to be more and more diverse. James "Pate" Philip State Park is adjacent to Pratts Wayne Woods melding together a significant green space.

Interesting Fact: James "Pate" Phillip State Park once was called Tri-County State Park until being renamed after the Republican politician James "Pate" Philip who served in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate. 

Stand of trees rises above the prairie at James "Pate" Philip State Park.

Bartlett Nature Center

Camped inside of James "Pate" Philip State Park is Bartlett Nature Center which presents a number of exhibits featuring the nature of the preserve including live wildlife exhibits. It also offers a variety of nature programs. In winter, you can rent snowshoes in the center.

Summer is the ideal time to hike at  James "Pate" Philip State Park when the remnant and restored prairies are ablaze with brilliant wildflowers. The preserve's trails provide ample avenues to explore yielding to plenty of opportunities for nature adventures..

* George Little: Remnants of Illinois prairies worth observing, The State Journal-Register, June 1, 2017