(5) Panoramic View

drawing by Susan Van Horn

The next block offers an expansive view. Imagine the glory of the prairie as the first explorers knew it. Listen for the whispers of the prairie grasses, the song of the red-winged blackbird and the buzz of pollinating insects.

Look skyward in search of soaring hawks.


drawing by Marlene Hill Donnelly

Watch for colorful butterflies such as the monarch and the tiger swallowtail. Perhaps you will discover a soldier beetle, an ambush bug, or a white or yellow crab spider with prey. Smell the aromatic nodding wild onion, called “Checagou” by Algonquin tribes. Chicago takes its name from this plant.