Open Space Brief – June 2021
- On June 5, 2021
Barrington Area Conservation Trust June 2021
June 5 is World Environment Day, a UN global initiative to reimagine, recreate and restore ecosystems around the world. Let's take a closer look at a BACT preserve featuring one of the rarest ecosystems in the Midwest.
Glaciers Did This!
Only approximately 148 of such acres exist in Illinois and 2 acres are located right in Barrington! Stewarded by BACT, Gravel Hill Conservation Easement consists of a "bowl" with gravel hill sides which are 790 feet in elevation at their highest. An adjoining woodland consisting of Bur, Red and White Oaks, as well as Maples and Pines completes this unique 4+ acre property.
Gravel hills are formed as glaciers recede, sometimes leaving deposits called kames. The prairies that develop here differ from the open prairieland. Due to the high volume of gravel in the soil, water tends to drain very quickly and the plants adjust accordingly: they grow less tall and put their energy into well-developed root systems to maximize the meager water supply.
What Grows Here?
big and little bluestem heath aster side-oats grama Indian grass nodding wild onion leadplant common and whorled milkweed prairie coreopsis prairie spurge prairie sunflower porcupine grass false boneset rough blazing star fringed pucoon purple prairie clover yelllow coneflower rosin weed old field goldenrod hoary Vervain
Some birds living in the gravel prairies include vesper sparrow, savanna sparrow, grasshopper sparrow and sedge wren.
Upcoming Events ~ Save these Dates!
June 27 - Work Day at Pederson Preserve - Sowing Seeds ~ Register
August 21 - Come visit the BACT tent Barrington Family Expo ~ Citizens Park ~ Noon - 4pm
August 28 - 20th Anniversary Tartans for the Trust ~ more details coming soon!
October 3 - OaktoberFest ~ stay tuned!
Remember that each acre restored, each habitat protected begins with you!
For 20 years, BACT has been preserving and restoring these special places in our community. We need your help to continue these efforts. Thank you!
Do you know how easy it is to help preserve Barrington's rare and exceptional open spaces? When you shop on Amazon be sure to use Designate Barrington Area Conservation Trust as your charity of choice
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