East Side Maples
On the east side of the Des Plaines River there are some beautiful surviving groves of Sugar/Black Maples. They survived in groups here because the river acted as a firebreak for the prairie fires coming in from the west. At least that's the theory, and It makes a lot of sense. How the groves survived after the area was settled is another question.
A good deal of the preserved forests along the Des Plaines have become choked with invasive species over the years. These maple forests are different because not many plants other than maples can grow under the maple canopy's intense shade. These remaining groves have an open, airy feel with long sight lines and amazing fall colors.
Along the Des Plaines River Trail at this time of year, people will make a special trip to come out and see the fall colors in their favorite section of forest.
I hope your week is going well and thank you for viewing.
East Side Maples
On the east side of the Des Plaines River there are some beautiful surviving groves of Sugar/Black Maples. They survived in groups here because the river acted as a firebreak for the prairie fires coming in from the west. At least that's the theory, and It makes a lot of sense. How the groves survived after the area was settled is another question.
A good deal of the preserved forests along the Des Plaines have become choked with invasive species over the years. These maple forests are different because not many plants other than maples can grow under the maple canopy's intense shade. These remaining groves have an open, airy feel with long sight lines and amazing fall colors.
Along the Des Plaines River Trail at this time of year, people will make a special trip to come out and see the fall colors in their favorite section of forest.
I hope your week is going well and thank you for viewing.