History
Fourth Lake is listed on the Natural Areas Inventory, which identifies high-quality natural areas statewide. Some of the land here was donated, and the rest was acquired beginning in 1983.
Originally slated as out lots for the Venetian Village subdivision, the land was considered unsuitable for building because of the site's wetland. In addition, a wide drainage ditch ran through the middle of the land.
The Natural Scene
Fourth Lake and its fen ecosystem are home to a variety of state threatened and endangered plant species and could provide habitat for the American bittern and various rails.
Fens are rare, often sloping, wetlands that occur where mineral rich alkaline groundwater comes to the surface. Unlike bogs, fens have higher nutrient and mineral levels and sustain a more diverse plant and animal community. Fens are often covered by grasses, sedges, reeds and wildflowers.
Considered a swale, rather than a kettle ecosystem, the fen is situated between two ridges of the Valparaiso Moraine. The fen drains south into Fourth Lake, which drains eastward via Mill Creek to the Des Plaines River.
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Location
Preserve parking and trail access available at our Operations and Public Safety Facility on north side of Grand Avenue just west of Route 45.
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