Winter 1999

A favorite place to hike, bike and cross-country ski

Cook County, Illinois

On June 25, 1916 the Cook County Forest Preserve District acquired its first land for use as a nature preserve — a 500-acre component of what is now known as Deer Grove, near Barrington in northwest Cook County. District officials inscribed the following on a stone marker by the side of the preserve's main trail:

"The Forest Preserve District organized February 11, 1915 is the heritage of far-seeing men of Cook County and Illinois, who by legislative act, seek to perpetuate the forest and streams, hills and vales, prairies and fields for another generation than this … To the athletically inclined there are outdoor sports — to the fisherman well-stocked streams — to the horticulturist the wildflowers — to the tourist comfort — to the infirmed hope — to the future the untrammeled, unmolested virgin fields and forests — our tribute to future generation … Anton J. Cermak, President"

Deer Grove Preserve now comprises 1,800 acres of prime Chicago area wilderness, and is considered to be one of Cook County's best places to hike, bike or cross-country ski. Its 3.9-miles of paved asphalt bicycle trail, and 8.3 miles of unpaved multi-use trails, lace together the area's diverse habitats, ranging from undulating meadows and hilltops, to wild woodlands and deep ravines, to water-filled, picturesque creeks, which meander through the site feeding the marshes and two lakes located within the preserve.

The bike trail links with the 4.8-mile Palatine Bicycle Trail at Quentin and Dundee Roads, offering extended cycling opportunities. Hikers can enjoy observing jewelweed (a favorite of hummingbirds) along steep ravines or strolling underneath the leafy canopies of oak and maple forests in the summer. A few acres near the center of the preserve have been restored to the open oak woodland conditions that predominated in the grove during most of its prehistory. Here unusual species of wildflowers, butterflies, and birds are found. During the winter, cross-country skiers will find the preserve's meandering curves and sinuous slopes challenging. And during any season horseback riders can enjoy cantering Deer Grove's hilly and forested terrain on specially designated trails.

Unfortunately, due to heavy off-trail use by bicyclists and equestrians, the natural plant and animal communities in the ravine areas of Deer Grove have been damaged. Trampling of ground cover plants and resulting soil erosion have undermined forest trees and shrubs and polluted local bodies of water. Cyclists and equestrians have since been restricted from riding off trail or from using non-designated trails; they are asked to use only the trails specially designated and maintained for them. (District police have recently stepped up their intermittent practice of ticketing violators.) By imposing these restrictions, the District hopes to prevent further ecological damage and allow the natural ecosystem to be restored.

Day-trippers will find picnic areas, along with tables, water pumps, rest rooms and shelters for their convenience. The preserve, is open sunrise to sunset. For further information, call (800) 870-3666, (773) 261-8400, or (708) 366-9420.

— Eugene Bender