Wild Ones to tour Grayslake conservation community Sept. 29
On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Northern Kane County Wild Ones will go on a tour of Prairie Crossing Conservation Community in Grayslake.
The Prairie Crossing conservation community is a leading, innovative example of what can be done to make a subdivision friendly to nature.
This tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the yellow farmhouse in Prairie Crossing at 32400 N. Harris Road, which is the office of the Liberty Prairie Foundation.
Nathan Aaberg, director of conservation and working lands for the foundation, will begin with a brief presentation on the history and design of the community.
The two lead environmental stewards - Jim O'Connor and Joe Marencik - will then lead a walking tour of approximately 1.5 hours. This will be a chance to see the beautiful natural features of the community while also learning about their ongoing management. Attendees should bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and bug protection.
Meet to carpool at 8:30 a.m. at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 12N462 Tina Trail in Elgin, or meet the group there.
Prairie Crossing's innovative design has influenced other residential developments around the country. Almost 70 percent of its 677 acres, for example, are in open space. This includes a 100-acre organic farm, Lake Aldo Leopold, 155 acres of prairies, wetlands, trails, and pastures for the cooperatively managed stable. The 360 homes and 36 condominiums are designed for energy efficiency, and residents have the choice of two different Metra stations for commuting. Other features include an environmentally focused charter school and a historic barn that was repurposed as a community center. Learn more about Prairie Crossing at www.prairiecrossing.com.
Visit www.facebook.com/NKWildOnes/.