October 8 An undiscovered gem by Lanny Ackiss

Having just discovered this patch of forest a few days ago, I write with enthusiasm but little knowledge. Land mined long ago was forested by Lester Davis some 70 years past resulting in woods not native by any means, but ?lovely, dark, and deep.? There are over 50 species of trees and shrubs. Literally across the road from restored and native prairie at Prairie State Park, this man-made forest afforded a interesting walk. Two great horned owls were booming on either side of us, and we happened upon a turkey vulture roost with many dozens of the birds settling down for twilight - more than I have ever seen at once. There are three miles of trails, and I plan on returning to explore further.