Description: The Fen in Trout Valley is common land that is approximately 8 acres in size and is located on either side of Trout Valley Road. Until a few years ago the fen was overgrown with invasive species including significant accumulations of buckthorn, burning bush, honeysuckle and garlic mustard that threatened the native plants (including one of the finest stands of skunk cabbage in Northeast Illinois). A number of Trout Valley residents have been working since 2015 to remove these invasive shrubs. This effort has resulted in several benefits including increased densities of under-story native plants and shrubs, reduced sheet erosion, increased ground water infiltration and increased native species diversity. The volunteers, commonly known as the Fensters, have created walking trails throughout the fen with a combined length of nearly ¾ of a mile. The walk will be led by one of the Fensters, David Hall. Expect to see some nice areas of Virginia Bluebells, Skunk Cabbage and Marsh Marigolds, among other plants. This is a guided walk and will begin at 2pm. The walk is free of charge and no pre-registration is required.
Directions: The walk will begin at the Trout Valley Barn, 167 Country Commons Rd, Trout Valley. Heading southeast through Cary on Rt 14, turn right onto Cary Algonquin Rd at the stop light. Country Commons Rd will be the second left (Country Commons Shopping Center on the corner). Veer left at the 3-way to stay on Country Commons, then an immediate right into the Barn driveway.
