Nature Walk Set Sunday At Algonquin Preserve

Lake in the Hills nature fans Al and Barb Wilson will conduct a free guided Public Nature Walk Sunday at Algonquin's least-known nature site, the Dixie Briggs Nature Preserve.  Starting at 2 pm from the Eastmoor Lane entrance it'll a leisurely two-hour walk with frequent stops and a shortcut back if anyone needs it, according to the Wilsons.

Technically, the Dixie Briggs Fromm Nature Preserve 66 acres of Dundee Township Open Space that volunteers like the Wilsons have been helping restore since it was dedicated almost 10 years ago. New public trails have been added, existing trails improved while invasive brush has been cleared to make way for native flowers and grasses, not mention small critters ranging from mink to warbling vireos.

It's likely the least-known Preserve in the area since it's not on a heavily-traveled road like most of the others.  In fact, it's tucked in behind Algonquin's Willoughby Farms subdivision.  Take Sleepy Hollow Road and follow the signs to Wynnfield Drive; head east to Lawndale Drive, hang a left and look right for Eastmoor.

In the pic:  Dixie Briggs Nature Preserve has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its  fens, sedge meadows and dry prairies.