2012 Walkers Schedule
Follow in the footsteps of our founding forefathers and foremothers, by joining the Prairie Club Walkers on their
enjoyable, invigorating excursions! Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through The Botanical Gardens, or a venture
into the many forest preserves of DuPage and Cook counties, our Prairie Club Walkers explore Chicagoland
and its many points of natural interests. Bring along your cameras, comfortable shoes, and dress weather
appropriate. Let’s keep up the traditions that made our club so unique!
For information about any walk please contact Hope Little at 773-283-4361
Sunday, April 15

The Prairie Club is sponsoring a 5 to 8 mile walk at the Morton Arboretum.

The walk is open to the public. We shall meet at 1:00 p.m. in front of the Arboretum cafeteria and head out for
approximately 3 hours of hiking. Of course, anyone who desires a shorter walk can leave the trail early as the
arboretum is safe and the trails are well marked. This is usually the high point for daffodils and bluebells.

The walk will be lead by Louisa Gehlmann.
If you plan to join us, please contact Hope Little at hopelittle2@aol.com
or by phone at 773-283-4361.
Sunday, May 20th

The Prairie Club is sponsoring a 10 mile bike ride at Fermilab.

Fermilab is a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory located in Warrenville, Illinois in Du Page County.  This
Federal government property has 11 square miles of lakes, trails and wild life to be explored and is also the
famous location of the world famous particle accelerator built in 1967.

There will be opportunities to view the resident bison and the nesting ospreys, as well as many other bird
species.  The group will bike through the park and then continue on the bike path toward Batavia and then back
toward the entrance of Fermilab off of Batavia Road and Route 59. The entrance does have a security gate and
guard, but arrangements will be made for entrance to bike riders to enter the park.

The bike ride will be led by Prairie Club member, Terry Riban and Fermilab volunteer Bob Mathieu and is open
to all ages.  We will begin the ride at 10:00 a.m. from the first parking lot after the entrance off of Batavia Road.

Please visit www.fnal.gov and click on the link “Visiting Fermilab for directions.  There is a wealth of information
on the web site including the history of Fermilab and the ongoing activities and events throughout the year.  

Contact Terry Riban at 630-886-2308 for further information about this bike ride.
Sunday, June 24

The Prairie Club will hold a 5 mile to 7 mile walk at Herrick Lake.

This walk is open to anyone who is interested. We will meet in the main parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Bring a
sandwich, hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

If you plan to come, please contact Hope Little at hopelittle2@aol.com
or call at 773-283-4361
Sunday, July 8th

Come to Navy Pier and be prepared to get wet as we take a ride on the Sea Dawg.  If you still have some nerve
left, take a turn on the Ferris wheel.


Sunday, July 22

Join us on a walk along the Fox River from St. Charles to Batavia.


Sunday, August 5

Walk 5 to 8 miles as we follow the historic trail along the I & M Canal.


Monday, August 27

Kayak the Galien River near Camp Hazelhurst.  Afterwards, join us for a pot luck meal(money will be collected
toward the main course) and stay overnight at the Farmhouse.  Spend Tuesday on the beach or walking the
Hazelhurst grounds. We are holding the entire farmhouse for people who come on this outing and want to stay
overnight so please let us know a.s.a.p.. We don't want to hold all the rooms too long in the event other people
want to book.


Saturday, October 13

Morton Arboretum is the perfect setting for our 5 mile hike.


Sunday, October 21

Hike 13 miles along lovely Lake Geneva.  This walk is a long standing Prairie Club tradition!