Elawa Farm and Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve

An unexpected treat- my friend Jill and I went on a walk on Friday morning to a forest preserve, Middlefork Savana,  near our homes.  I had never been on the trail in the direction that Jill had been.  The trail lead us to a gorgeous lake  through fields and ponds of water lilies. Jill and I had watched an otter grab and fish and carry it off to dinner.  So yesterday, my husband and I decided to walk it again and this time I took my camera!  I never expected such natural beauty in a completely suburban setting. I was hoping to show him the otter.

One of the lakes looks like a large rookery.  Jill told me that she had seen the bare tree filled with egrets. Can't wait to see that for myself.  A couple were bathing themselves while Jay and I were there.

A grove of large black oaks stood near one of the lakes.

 

A pair of Golden finches sat in a tree watching us!

Lily pond will be so pretty when it blooms!

 

 There were many male red winged blackbirds standing guard over the nests.

 

Walking back, you look upon Elawa Farm.

 

 

 

 The farms newly planted gardens were pristine.

 

 

 

The lilacs and Snow on the Mountain shrubs were in full bloom.

 

 

Returning from our walk through the forest preserve, we visited the Elawa Farms market and purchased  some spring pea hummus.

It was a delightful treat on crostini with radishes when we returned home.

 

 

They were also selling Chamomile Honey Morning Cakes! So pretty and petite, they are the perfect size for one serving. I served them in pretty compotes for breakfast this morning.

 

 

Elawa Farm is a wonderful resource for our community.  Summer markets are held regularly in the warmer months. There are animal displays for the children to learn about endangered species .  A range of cooking classes are held there  and the class descriptions can be found on line.  www.elawafarm.org.   That's something I want to do in the near future! The market specializes in fresh food using the ingredients that are grown on the farm. Amazing bouquets of flowers are for sale during the summer!  If you live in the area, please be sure to check it out!  And for sure, plan a long walk in the gorgeous forest preserve.