Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area on New River Road (Vole-ing for Vantage Points)

Knowing that I will be returning to the workforce next week should put my mind at ease, and yet dare I say there are several pangs of regrets that I'm feeling having only recently discovered this app when I've been exploring preserves, parks, and trails actively since 2018 now? I've frequented Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area over the years, but it is evident that Covid has not been kind to this park thanks to the accumulation of human carelessness and trash that is prominent especially on the "Wilmington" side of the park, which is a shame considering just how diverse the natural landscape can be.

There is some allure to the Milliken Lake area, especially where the along the road where the waters clash and form miniature waterfalls that crash along the rocks littered with mollusk shells. Unfortunately, right now it is also littered with beer bottles and cans, plastic waste, and glass. Thankfully, there does not seem to be much disturbances as far as the local plants and wildlife are concerned, and I was able to witness several water striders and green frogs, especially along the creek that runs near the front entrance.

But it is the lands across the railroad tracks, the land that sits out of sight from busy highways and truck traffic that offers numerous chances to experience so much of what nature has to offer at a comforting and quiet pace. There is a boat launch area for fishing or on-the-water viewing and studying, but just around the boat launch area alone are several species of plants growing alongside a large cornfield. Sadly, I have only recently begun studying Botany, so there are still some that I was not positively able to identify, only apply my best guess. I believe I have observed several flowers within the loosestrife, phlox, and nightshade family, but I was able to note that Cup Plants, Yellow Coneflowers, and milkweed surrounding the fields. Sadly, I also noted several Foxtails growing near the cornfield, which could pose a threat to the majority of the bordering crop.

I also made a new little friend today by accident while searching for snakes along the several trails (I did observe a large, friendly water snake living near the waters with all the lily pads, but I was unable to record/photograph their presence before the reptile returned to their safe haven among the leaves.) I almost missed the tiny, panting ball of fluff, no bigger than a key lime, staring up at me with tiny black, beady eyes. Those eyes are what told me this was no mole, despite what the app originally tried to tell me, but I am still not certain about the exact breed of my new little friend. The critter I believe to be a vole was generous enough to pose for two photographs, then slipped away quickly back into the woods. I do not recall observing a tail nor ears, just a slender, fast-moving skitter, and my smile as I concluded it was the perfect way to conclude today's trip.

Publicado el 03 de agosto de 2020 a las 11:57 PM por lexitrailwalks