A Little Time and a Keyboard: Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

 Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Meacham Grove Nature Preserve quickly appeared to be a local favorite as we embarked on our adventure on a warm -- yes, warm -- winter day. The slushy path did not deter hikers from hiking up the hill and rounding the lake. Quickly, we became enamored with this nature preserve immediately upon spying Maple Lake.

Spectacular Maple Lake once was a construction pit!
Spectacular Maple Lake once was a construction pit!

A Successful Rehabilitation Story

Remarkably, Maple Lake once was a construction pit. The land was rehabilitated creating Maple Lake and the adjacent hill. Maple Lake now collects storm water helping mitigate it from flooding streets. The preserve also has become a nature haven for birds. Additionally, the 32-acre lakes presents a popular fishing spot.

Winter Fading at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve.
Winter Fading at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve.

Most of the trail rounding the lake provided for a gentle hike. For more of a challenge, visitors can traverse the hill. Additionally, more trails spindle off into the wetland area and forest. Meacham Grove is home to a variety of native plants including some that are endangered. With the presence of endangered plant species, Meacham Grove Nature Preserve was given the special nature preserve designation by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

Spring Brook winds throughout Meacham Grove Nature Preserve.
Spring Brook Creek gently winds throughout Meacham Grove Nature Preserve.

Admiring the Gentle Meanders of Spring Brook Creek

Spring Brook Creek winds through the preserve adding a gentle charm. The meander of Spring Brook Creek through the fading snow painted a beautiful scene.

Spring Brook Creek winding at the edge of the forest.
Spring Brook Creek winding at the edge of the forest.

The North Center DuPage Regional Trail traverses the preserve. We would like to explore this portion of the 19-mile regional trail as well us other trail spindles on a future visit. Future visits will no doubt unfold a different nature world as plants bloom and animals become more active. I look forward to seeing the seasons unfold!

Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois


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