FT16 - Dune Formations on Chicago's Public Lakeshore: Monitoring and Management

Day: Thursday 7/12
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Trip Leader: Susanne Masi
Email Address: smasi@chicagobotanic.org

Trip Limit: 19

Portions of several Chicago public beaches are being allowed to develop into minor dune and swale/panne systems instead of being groomed for beach recreation. Native plant species have begun to colonize these areas, including several Illinois listed species. Five bird species nest in one dune site, and migrating birds include the federally listed Piping Plover. Montrose Beach, the most advanced dune system, has been designated an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site. A US Fish & Wilflife grant for Loyola Beach will help create Piping Plover habitat.

At each site, volunteer stewards work with the Chicago Park District to monitor rare plants and manage the areas by controlling brush and invasive species. Vans will travel up Chicago's lakeshore to Montrose Beach, Osterman Beach and Loyola Beach, were we will have lunch. Stewards Leslie Borns, Pam Holy and Ann Whelan will meet us to tell the story of the ecology, plants and animals, management and relations with the public at their sites. A Chicago Park District representative will discuss the working relationship with the District.

Trip leader will discuss the context of rare plant monitoring (Plants of Concern) in the Chicago Wilderness region. We will have an opportunity to explore the dunes and the plants. After lunch we will do some beach roaming before the final tour of Loyola Beach dunes. Trip easy to moderate. Bring extra water, hat, sunscreen, shorts if you wish to wade. Box lunch included.

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