|
 And now
of course with a good snow base, its a great place to sled or cross
country ski.
The park put out a brochure this year that says it all:
Kickapoo Creek Park,
part of the Logan County Park and Trails Foundation, is a beautiful
area of woodlands, savanna, and prairie on the north edge of
Lincoln, at 2000 N. Jefferson Street. The 160 acre park was formed
in 1969 to be used by the public for the enjoyment of nature and
recreation.
Approximately half of the park is wooded flood plain of Kickapoo
Creek, which meanders through it from east to west. A foot bridge
across the creek permits easy access to the more secluded north
side. Huge lowland trees of sycamore, cottonwood and silver maple
can be found growing in the woods since they can withstand the
periodic floods that occur during the year along the creek.
The other half of the park is a savanna and prairie. The savanna, a
combination of scattered trees and prairie plants within the center
of the scenic driving loop, is a good place to see wildlife,
especially deer. The 30-acre restored prairie used to be farmed but
now offers ever-changing seasonal colors of forbs and grasses to
simulate the appearance of Logan County as it was in the early
1800's and prior as a tall grass prairie.
Several miles of trails for hiking have been cleared on both sides
of Kickapoo Creek, as well as through the savanna and prairie. A
trail map is posted at the playground parking lot. One of the trails
is designated as an exercise trail with equipment station along the
way.
Other trails are ideal for seeing wildlife, photography, exercise,
or even cross country skiing. A campground for scout groups is
available, as are limited day camp facilities.
Both canoeing and fishing are permitted in the creek. Other
amenities for the convenience of park visitors include picnic
pavilions and picnic tables, playground equipment, open fields for
ballgames, public toilets near parking areas, and city water. To
reserve a pavilion call 217-735-2953.
The park is open year round from 7 a.m. to one half hour after
sunset when the gates close. From morning until night a steady
stream of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and vehicle drivers travel
around the smooth and wide asphalt loop to enjoy the natural
scenery. Two laps around the loop equal approximately 5 kilometers
or 3.1 miles.
Fauna and flora
Those hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife may be rewarded at any
time by the appearance of white tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes
foxes, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels. The deer and turkeys
are especially accommodating for photographers. Along Kickapoo Creek
are found a variety of ducks, Canada geese, herons, muskrats and
beavers. Owls and hawks cruise the prairie looking for mice, voles,
other small mammals, and snakes. Deer often bed down in the tall
prairie grass at night. Because the park is an area for the
protection and preservation of wildlife, no hunting is permitted at
any time.
Many state and federally protected animals in the park are
accustomed to humans, there fore, we enforce a strict leash law on
all pets so the wildlife will not be harmed.
Local songbirds and migratory birds are well fed with an abundance
of crabapple trees and prairie seeds. Also, an enclosed bird
watching station near the park office offers a chance to get out of
the weather to watch birds up close from behind glass windows as the
visit a dozen feeders.
Nature walkers will find a variety of vegetation in Kickapoo Creek
Park.
In the flood plain of Kickapoo Creek, shade tolerant understory
plants dominate as well as water tolerant trees. Early spring
wildflowers bloom just before the trees leaf out.
Many of the upland trees were planted when the park originated and
are dominated by pin oak, sweet gum, black walnut, sycamore and
pine. Trees producing acorns, walnuts, pecans, and buckeyes provide
the squirrel population an abundance of food resulting in a huge
squirrel presence.
The Prairie is ever changing. Beginning in April plants emerge and
flower. The purples of Ohio spiderwort, purple cone flower, and wild
bergamot are evident until mid-summer. In summer the yellow flowers
of cream wild indigo, black-eyed Susan, sunflowers, and grey-headed
cone flowers are more evident. As fall approaches the taller
goldenrods, big blue stem and Indian grasses reach above all other
prairie plants to a height of eight feet.
Preserving our
natural areas
In Logan County where 95 percent of the land is used for
agricultural purposes, the presence of a natural area like Kickapoo
Creek Park makes it a valuable asset to the local population. The
reduction of natural areas continues with time as wetlands are
filled in and woodlands converted to accommodate housing. Prairies
have disappeared almost entirely since 200 years ago.
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If we expect to have
natural areas remain we must take deliberate steps to provide
for their protection from development and invasive species.
The park
is beautifully maintained with a crew of people working over the
summers, and a few work year round.
Former Superintendent Don Helman over-saw numerous park changes over
a number of years. Helman retired a little over a year ago and Joe
Funk has taken up the mantle.
On any given day Funk can be seen working heartily, but especially
following weather related changes.
If it
snows overnight, at wee hours of the morning long before sun-up and
as soon as roads are travelable, Funk will be out to plow the
primary loop for cars and walkers. He then sets to hand shoveling
areas for public use.
If it blows any time of the year, Funk is out picking up branches in
the roadway and in areas that get maintained by mowing.
And while he maintains a brisk pace, he'll pause and greet park
visitors, calling all the regulars and even their dogs by name.
Seeing the park kept in order and beautiful as a pleasure for others
to enjoy is his top priority. He also likes to share the marvels of
nature with others and to protect God's creation.
Over the
past three to four years a group of Master Naturalists have worked
hard to remove invasive shrubs. This past spring replacement
planting was started. It will take some years for the new starts to
get established, but these shrubberies will provide more nutritious
food, greater variety, reduce disease transmitting insects and
supply other resources for wild life. You can read more about what
was removed and why, and what was chosen to replace the old shrubs.
Master naturalists combat invasive shrub species with removal and
replacement
Celebrating Arbor Day - Kickapoo Creek Park gets new shrubs
Any day of the week, you can find joggers and walkers, and there are
some who come to just sit on a bench or in their car to simply enjoy
nature in the park. Numerous groups conduct nature walks: bird, wild
flowers and trees, etc.
You'll also find shutter bugs and professional photographers using
the beauty of nature as backdrops to commemorate special occasions;
families and friends gather for special events; and groups host
fundraisers and other activities by reservation of half-a-dozen or
so sheltered picnic areas.
You will see all the given cast of characters of a park, deer and
squirrels, but there are also several elusive species that have been
coaxed to habitat by careful cultivation and food offerings, such as
blue birds, redheaded and red bellied woodpeckers, owl families, a
pair of friendly orphaned deer, pairs of geese and a troup of
turkeys; who know there might even be a partridge, but no pear tree.
This year's newest regular specialty is a glorious eagle; all goes
quiet when he or she majestically glides over the park looking for
prey.
From scouts, to outdoor fitness, photographers; environmental and
nature researchers, protectors and enthusiasts; for special events
and every day renewal with nature, over the years many have come to
enjoy this little slice of wilderness with portions of cultivated
and well-maintained park.
Kickapoo Creek Park is part of the Logan County Park and Trails
Foundation, which was established in 1969. It is privately funded
and receives no governmental support.
While open to the public at no charge, support is welcome with
annual membership rates: Student $2, Individual $10 and Family $15.
The Foundation also welcomes land, funds and memorial gifts. LCP&TF
is a 501(c)3 not for profit charitable foundation. Donations are tax
deductible. Business office phone 217-735-1474.
Contact the Park Office for general information at 217-735-2953.
Kickapoo Creek Park
2000 N. Jefferson St., Lincoln, IL
Located on the north edge of Lincoln, the north side of the old
Route 66 Parkway.
[Jan Youngquist]
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