Beaubien Preservation

Ok, my cynicism prompted me to google Beaubien again for more info--and I found this uplifting paragraph from The Nature Conservancy on a monthly stewardship event at Beaubien, restoration and stories of the underground railroad. This sounds like fun and a potential jewel!

Jewels that stay hidden

The exit off 94 looks so inviting, "Beaubien Woods Exit". The trees full of autumn color, calling me to exit and explore and be a bit late for my 7:15 am appointment with chiropractor Jerry in Harvey.

But it became obvious why no one is raving about Beaubien Woods online--the place is next to pretty dilapidated housing projects. Though the main parking lot was still closed at that time of day, a cop car was parked there, not a great sign. And the road leading to the entrances is full of big potholes. Frustrating.

Gems recently uncovered

Aimee and I have renewed our resolve to find the jewels in the rough, amid the sprawl of Chicagoland, including beautiful wild spaces. Sunday afternoon we drove down to Waterfall Glen, the forest preserve that circumscribes Argonne National Laboratory.

There is a particular maple tree growing from the bank of a stream, orange, yellow, and red levitating strokes of color, luminous in contrast to the dark bank.

What's the other gem? We got a ring!