Although it’s called Lincoln Marsh, the park features several habitats: wetlands, wet-mesic grasslands, mesic prairies, successional woodlands, and mature oak-hickory woodlands. These habitats are rich in plant and animal life. As you walk through the different habitats you will be surrounded by cattails, oak, black cherry and locust trees, goldenrod and coneflowers, just a few of the plants found in this natural area.
Quiet and observant hikers will be surprised by what they hear and see as they explore the marsh. The wildlife that calls Lincoln Marsh home includes red fox, coyotes, deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks, mink and muskrats. You may even catch a glimpse of a garter snake or painted turtle basking in the sun. During the spring months listen for chorus frogs, American toads and bullfrogs as they call out from the wetlands. Birds are abundant throughout the year; listen for the “konk-la-ree” of the red-winged blackbird from the cattails, hear the drumming of downy and hairy woodpeckers in the forest and look above it all to watch for the red-tail hawk soaring through the sky.
The Wheaton Park District is a member of Chicago Wilderness. Chicago Wilderness is comprised of more than 200 non-profit and government agencies working together to study, restore, protect and manage the natural ecosystems of the region; contribute to the preservation of global biodiversity; and enrich local resident’s quality of life. The members of Chicago Wilderness work together to develop and implement a variety of restoration, research, education, planning and policy projects to achieve the common goal of biodiversity conservation.
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Flood Control
The marsh stores storm water during heavy rains and floods. It would cost more than $10 million to construct the storm water retention facilities that the marsh provides naturally.
Water Quality Improvement
The marsh improves the surface and groundwater quality for surrounding communities. wetland plants, soil and hydrology cleanse silt and chemical pollutants from the water.
Wildlife Habitat
Lincoln Marsh supplies diverse habitat to more than 300 species of prairie and wetland plants and animals. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, red fox, mink, owls, muskrat, birds and waterfowl. Nesting boxes are placed throughout the area for wood ducks, bats, bluebirds and screech owls.
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