PraireWalk Pond by Patricia Hayden
My winter visit to PrairieWalk Pond in Lisle was very enjoyable. The location is near the busy intersection of Rt. 53 and Ogden Avenue and although I heard some traffic noise, when you are walking the path, it is very tranquil. The road leading to the parking lot is just north of the intersection of Burlington and Garfield and there are signs for both free and handicapped parking.
The walking path is a loop around the pond and when I visited (in between the two big January snowstorms), the smooth blacktop path was clear of snow and very walkable. It took me about 15 minutes to walk the loop while observing plant life, taking pictures, and reading the educational signs.
Even amidst the snowy landscape, it was evident that birds and little critters are finding warmth and shelter in the snow-covered foliage as well as the multiple birdhouses found along the path. I saw many hydrangeas, grasses, and milkweed plants and learned the site is certified as a Monarch Butterfly Waystation. There are a good number of benches if you want to rest and enjoy the scenery and also a covered pavilion with benches.
As I was leaving, I saw another walking path leading away from PrairieWalk Pond. This path (called The Garden Walk) connects to Main Street in downtown Lisle and has native grasses and flowers as well as a nature-themed fountain (not operational when I was there).
My visit to PrairieWalk Pond in the winter was a great experience and I will definitely be returning for spring, summer, and fall to enjoy the sights and sounds and to Take a Hike!
More information about the site can be found here.
This post is part of the “Take a Hike” series by Patricia Hayden. To learn more about this blog and see information about all other featured hikes click here.