Intergovernmental Teamwork

Preserves Lyman Woods

Story by
Carol Tapio & John C. Muno
Photos by
Richard Saunders

Located under shadow of several shopping malls, suburban office parks and bustling highways, there is a tranquil, 90-acre parcel of land situated in Downers Grove where residents can encounter the environment as it once appeared to early settlers.

The purchase and ongoing preservation of Lyman Woods, located in DuPage County, provides testimony to the benefits of intergovernmental teamwork. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Village of Downers Grove and the Downers Grove Park District jointly purchased Lyman Woods in 1987 through a tri-governmental agreement. The park district is responsible for the operation, management and development of this land in an ecologically sensitive manner.

Lyman Woods was sold by its former owner in November 1987 to defray long-term debt. Instead of 1,200 rental apartment units that were proposed for this site in 1985 by another prospective buyer, visitors now can observe many of the preserve's uncommon inhabitants such as the yellow throat warbler, swamp sparrow, maidenhair fern and hoary puccoon.

Because these three government agencies ventured beyond peaceful coexistence to achieve active cooperation, this natural area will survive for future generations to enjoy. Nature conservancy, plant and wildlife habitat maintenance, water resource management and outdoor recreational and educational programming are priorities of the preservation efforts.

Lyman Woods is home to more than 320 species of native plants including six that are classified as rare in the Chicago area. Its unique features include three separate oak savannas, extensive marsh wetlands and portions of two native prairie kames. While under retainer by the park district, nationally known ecologist Steve Apfelbaum conducted a baseline ecological study of the site in 1988. His study indicated that the owners of Lyman Woods have possibly acquired the best remaining examples of tall grass savanna in the world.

Support for the agencies' efforts to save the woods came from all sides. Both corporate and residential neighbors have been involved in a variety of ways. Good Samaritan Hospital, a private facility adjacent to the woods, provided welcome buffers with "No Build" and "Do Not Disturb" zones. A regional campus of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine allowed parking and a

Illinois Parks and Recreation 29 March/April 1991

"Volunteers have devoted countless hours to projects ranging from removal of refuse and non-native plants to creating and extending the trail system," said Pat Saunders, park district manager of natural resources and interpretive services.

Saunders, hired in 1989 for this newly created position within the recreation division, has tackled the challenge of developing recreational and interpretive programs while protecting the site's ecologically valuable resources. Since "Outdoor Adventures at Lyman Woods" began last spring, more than 800 nature lovers have enjoyed the organized guided tours and classes offered by the park district.

Programs tailored to meet each group's needs blend facts and fun with a special emphasis on ecology and respect for the environment. The outdoor programs allow children to experience a variety of hands-on activities. Marsh water is strained, magnified and examined to study tiny aquatic life and learn its importance in the food pyramid. The tracks of woodland creatures such as the red fox, deer and pheasant are discovered and identified by young explorers. Lyman Woods is a very diverse 90 acres which makes programming potentials vast. "We expect interpretive and recreational programs to expand as more people become aware of the opportunities available here," said Saunders. The park district realizes the necessity of taking a comprehensive, long-term approach to planning and is in the process of considering and budgeting for necessary improvements such as an interpretive center, parking facility and trails accessible to those with disabilities. Three years after the purchase, the three co-owners continue joint efforts to protect Lyman Woods. At a time of pressing environmental problems and limited public resources, preserving these valuable pockets of land is a challenging priority. The park and forest preserve districts work closely to identify and secure buffer land and easements that will ensure the safekeeping of the woods. (continued on page 36)

Pat Saunders, Downers Grove Park District manager of natural resources and interpretive services, and a preschool explorer talk about how this decaying log is important to the forest ecosystem in Lyman Woods.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 30 March/April 1991

Intergovernmental Teamwork Preserves Lyman

(continued from page 30)

The Natural Areas Advisory Committee is coordinating a comprehensive review of the property to study the possibility of obtaining Illinois Nature Preserve status for Lyman's most sensitive areas. The Village of Downers Grove cable television staff has provided staff, equipment and technical guidance in the production of a 10 minute video presentation highlighting the history, current status and value of this site. Copies are now available at the public library, local school districts and as public presentations by park staff.

Like all of DuPage County, Lyman Woods faces the environmental impact of rapid suburban growth. Although the previously mentioned apartments were never built on the property, immense office complexes are under development directly north of the forest land. The advisory committees met with developers to create plans that would ease the effects of construction.

As a result, the developer said that all efforts would me made to maintain a spirit of cooperation on issues which affect the Lyman Woods Preserve. Sandine said, "This type of response from a developer is as welcome as it is unusual. It is a testimonial to the staff 's negotiating skills as well as the enlightenment of the developer."

The developer has agreed to install erosion control measures during and after construction; share hydrology, forestry and other pertinent information with the Natural Areas Advisory Committee; and to study pond location to minimize tree loss and disruption of existing grades. The developer already has granted the park district right-of-way rights to the road that provides main public access and parking, and has set aside a 100-foot "No Disturb Zone" to better protect the woods from office buildings and parking decks.

Lyman Woods illustrates the endless accomplishments that are possible when government and community groups join forces. "As these cooperative efforts are cultivated, the benefits will be harvested for generations," Sandine said.

About the Authors:

Carol Tapio is the Downers Grove Park District Public Information Supervisor. John C. Muno is Director of Recreation for the park district.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 36 March/April 1991