Swallow Cliff: Beyond the Stairs and Into the Woods

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Late summer means SEEDS! We will be wandering around Swallow Cliff Woods hand collecting seeds from native flowers and grasses. Then we'll spread these seeds in other areas of Swallow Cliff to restore the rich ground cover layer.

Swallow Cliff Woods is best known for its dramatic "front lawn," which leads up a steep, 100-foot-tall bluff. The bluff creates one of the best sledding hills in the county and also one of its toughest and most scenic stair workouts. On top of the bluff, trails pass through this quiet 800-acre preserve. Hikers enjoy wandering the hilly, forested terrain complete with stream crossings, grand old oaks and flocks of migratory birds around the numerous wetlands.

Here and across the region, fire shaped the natural communities, creating a rich complex of prairie, savanna, wetland, and woodland. Unfortunately, the lack of fire and the introduction of plants from around the world is ruining these communities. It is up to us to restore the balance and restore the health.

NOTE: We meet at Swallow Cliff SOUTH. Enter the parking lot off of LaGrange Road at about 119th south.

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In partnership with the Palos Restoration Project and the Forest Preserves of Cook County