Trailblazers: Deer Grove East

Deer Grove is the nation’s first forest preserve. On Tuesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. tour historic Deer Grove East and see the prairies, wetlands, woods, and savannas that volunteers have been restoring since 2011.

Difficulty level:

Our hike will be on paved trails and single-track dirt paths. There are no steep grades or difficult terrain. The pace will be leisurely with time spent observing and experiencing the different areas of the preserve. Tree roots can be trip hazards and they will be present as we hike through the woods. Hikers should use caution and be aware of trip hazards as they occur. The hike should take an hour and a half and will cover up to two miles.

Parking/Meeting location:

Enter Deer Grove East off of Dundee Road between Hicks and Quentin Roads. Park at the far west end of the parking lot and meet at the topographic concrete map just beyond the parking lot.

Meet your volunteer guide:

Steve has been a volunteer at Deer Grove since 2009 and a workday leader since 2021. Steve is an avid hiker, cyclist, and camper. He spends much of his free time hiking and cycling in Cook and Lake County forest preserves, but his favorite preserve of all is Deer Grove.

What to bring/wear:

Dress for the weather and bring water. Wear good hiking shoes/boots. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are encouraged.

Host or Publisher Friends of the Forest Preserves