All are welcome to join us for our Summer EcoWalk at the Horlock Prairie in LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean Street in St. Charles. This intergenerational event takes place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The trails are not paved, but are mowed trails. We will meet in the parking lot on the south side of Dean Street at the Great Western Trail trailhead and walk to the prairie.

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve includes a high-quality prairie, woodland, and Ferson Creek, which meanders through the preserve. Contained within the preserve is a true prairie remnant (the Murray prairie), various restorations (including the Bob Horlock Prairie), flood plain forests, seeps, oak woodlands, and grassy fields.

The Bob Horlock Prairie is a prairie that was recreated from an old farm field adjacent to a high-quality prairie remnant by the local high school prairie restoration club from 1973 to 1983 – under the tutelage of Mr. Robert Horlock. Students propagated and planted seedings from seeds collected locally. Approximately 130 species of prairie plants including both mesic and wet-mesic plant communities have been established here.

Questions? Email Jeff Mengler.

Organizer for this event: Earth Stewardship Team

(Posted 1/20/26. Source: Jeff’s 1/19/26 email.)