Tolleston Dunes in the IDNP is one of my favorite trails. It strikes a nice balance between the trails that line the lake front which are dominated by living dunes and interdunal wetlands, and those furthest from the lake that follow the Little Calumet river which feature richer soil with little sand. The Tolleston Dunes trail, as shown in the image above, is still quite sandy but the dunes have stabilized and support a mature forrest ecosystem. It is one of the three trails in the park where you can find Lupine in abundance, along with lots of Birdsfoot Violets, which makes for a very Blue landscape this time of year.
Category: Tolleston Dunes Trail
Mellow Autumn
This Autumn has been atypically warm and dry. It is well into November and daytime highs are still in the 50’s. Rain has been almost nonexistent. As a result the trees are hanging on to their leaves a little longer, and the fall colors are stretching persisting a couple weeks later than usual. It was a lovely day to spend a relaxing afternoon out on the Tolleston Dunes trail in the IDNP.