Description: On a whim about twenty years ago, Dave Zieger and John Shiel agreed that they might as well start working to restore a portion of the church property in Wonder Lake that was right across the street from Dave’s living room window. Dave brought it up, since its neglected condition was more noticed by him than anyone else. John had married into the parish some years prior. We began. Litter and dumped materials were hauled out and invasive trees and shrubs were cut and burned at a relaxed pace. We communicated with the new pastor about the plan, and it turns out he was fairly conversant with natural area restoration. He gave his blessing, literally. The site is about 2.5 acres on a total property of 23 acres. It’s an old field of about forty years with only small bits of mowing by a neighbor for aesthetics. We scattered prairie seeds and burned, sometimes with a permit. Now it shows some success, while still very much a work in progress. The guided walk starts at 10am. Note: This is the first of two garden walks today.
Directions: The church is on the east (McHenry) side of Wonder Lake. From the stop light intersection of Rte120 and East Wonder Lake Rd, turn north for 2 mi. Note: the road going south of the stop light is Ridge Rd. After 2 mi., at a four-way stop at Hancock Dr., turn right and go about two blocks to a stop sign. Turn left for the resumption of East Wonder Lake Rd. and go about a mile north. The church is on the right/east side and is a 1960s A-frame structure. If coming from the north, use Barnard Mill Rd and turn right close to the Busy Bee Restaurant, turn south on East Wonder Lake Rd. and go about a half mile. Church is on your left.
