Sand Ridge

Description

Sand Ridge Prairie is a fine example of sand dune and swale topography that formerly occurred along the shores of glacial Lake Chicago. The dunes and swales were created as new beaches were formed as water levels of lake Chicago gradually receded. The low sandy ridges support sand prairies and scattered black oak savannas that are dominated by little blue stem, porcupine grass and June grass. Blue joint and cord grass dominate the wet prairie, sedge meadow and marsh communities that occur in the swales. The dune and swale topography provides a variety of ecological niches that support a rich variety of plants. Several species that are well adapted for the sand include tubercled orchid, grass pink orchid, black chokeberry, huckleberry, low-bush blueberry and yellow-eyed grass.