Rare spring plants a treat for hikers in Elgin
About two dozen amateur naturalists learned about a rich history hidden on Elgin's east side Sunday during a wildflower walk through Trout Park.
The Friends of Trout Park hosted it's 35th annual hike through the nature preserve on Elgin's northeast side, along the Fox River.
Naturalist Susan Bohne and three fellow volunteers lead small groups through the 25-acre park for more than an hour. It took all of that time to point out the dozens of plant varieties in the park, some of which are vary rare to the Midwest.
Bohne said the park is a "relic," left behind by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago. The topography allows spring ephemerals, such as marsh marigolds, Virginia bluebells and bloodroot, to grow. But they're visible only for a short time before disappearing by summer.