In Glen Ellyn, at the southern end of ChurchHill Woods, is an
interesting land feature called a Glacial
Ridge. A Glacial Ridge (or Arete') is a geological
formation.
A 1912 study by Trowbridge (courtesy of the Dupage County
Forest Preserve) identified two Kame areas in DuPage County. One of
these Kame areas is in Glen Ellyn. A Kame forms when the leading
edge of a glacial moraine leaves behind mounds of various sized
gravel and sand forming into a variety of shapes caused by the
running water over the glacial ice.
Here in Glen Ellyn the Kame left behind a ridge. The sides
of the ridge are very steep and fragile; no one should attempt to
climb it.
The Glacial Ridge is nestled between the Illinois Prairie Path and
the NorthWestern Train Tracks. The coordinates will take you to a
sign at the western edge of the ridge (along the Illinois Prairie
Path) designating the location of the Glacial Ridge and access to a
path. Follow the path up the slowly rising slope, parallel to the
IPP & train tracks. Take some time to walk the entire length
of the ridge (it is not very far) rather than just to the
coordinates for one of the highest points of the ridge.
Walking the entire length may give you "clues" to some of the other
questions! If you like to watch trains you will be treated to a
nice view of the tracks. Several paths branch off from the main
trail. Some of the these trails are steep and slippery with lose
rocks - watch your step!
The Glacial Ridge is being protected by the DuPage County Forest
Preserve and they have given permission for an EarthCache at this
site.
This picture of the ridge line was taken while standing at
the bottom and looking south.
To get credit for visiting this EarthCache follow the
directions below and email me your answers:
* Take an elevation reading at the bottom of the
ridge by the ChurchHill Woods ~ Glacial Ridge sign.
Coordinates: N41 52.801, W088 02.972
* Take another elevation reading at one of the two following
coordinates at the top of the ridge.
Coordinates: N41 52.833, W088 02.789 or N41 52.837, W088 02.772
1. How much has the elevation increased?
2. What kind of soil have you seen along the walk?
3. What evidence is there that this area is being jeapordized? By
what? Natural or man made? Both?
4. The Glacial Ridge is divided into the lower slope, mid-slope and
upper slope ~ how has the vegetation changed through these three
divisions?
5. Calculate the slope of the ridge and submit your answer.
Please answer at least three of the questions above. After
checking your answers I will email you if you can log this
EarthCache as a Find.
If you would like to further your study of this region, here are
a few sources of information. The geology of the Upper Illinois
Region is talked about in several USGS publications; The
Upper Illinois River Basin includes a discussion and maps to
further your understanding of this area. In addition, there is an
article in the
Chicago Wilderness Magazine.
The Glacial Ridge is part of the Churchill
Woods Forest Preserve of DuPage County.
Dupage County Forest Preserve approved
Earthcache
.
- This Geocache is placed on DuPage County Forest Preserve
property with permission.
- DuPage County Forest Preserve hours are 1 hour after
sunrise until 1 hour after sunset. Preserve users must not be in
the preserves after hours.
- It is the visitor’s responsibility to be aware of
the policies and rules pertaining to this preserve.
- For more information on preserve rules, see the
information kiosk in the parking lot of the preserve or contact
Visitor Services at(630) 933-7248. 5. All Statutes, Ordinances,
rules and regulations pertaining to the Forest Preserve District of
DuPage County are applicable.
*Not too far from this Earthcache is another cache with a
beautiful view of "one of the few remaining native prairies in
Dupage" ~ Wetland
Restoration Project at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve. The
cache is:
Cache With A View also part of Churchill Woods.
