Sun, Aug 14 2022 - Summertime Splendor at Frazier-Rowe Park & Coralwood Nature Preserve (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Karin, Patti R, Jenn L, Pina R, Theresa, Inga, David DeLorme, Lauri Fellman, Vicky G, Andrey K, Adel, Jim

The late afternoon weather was nice for our adventurous exploration of these two adjoining heavily wooded parks in DeKalb's shady Oak Grove community.  After introductions we enjoyed a variety of different scenic trails through both parks, beginning with a double loop through Frazier-Rowe's colorful entrance garden and continuing via a pretty creekside trail into the Coralwood Nature Preserve.  Along the way we paused often to discuss the colorful native flora & fauna - also admired the good job park "friends groups" are doing to maintain and expand the trail network and control aggressive "foreign intruder plants" - esp. English ivy, Chinese privet, Japanese kudzu and thorny elaeagnus.  We concluded the first hour of the hike with a visit to the panoramic high forest lookout point near the main trailhead - then enjoyed a ~1 mile sidewalk circuit of the adjoining shady Sagamore Hills neighborhood before returning to the cars via a final southerly loop through both parks.  It was fun getting to know Jenn and Inga, both who have only recently become active our fine Club  - also a pleasure to have Pina's small pooch and Vicky's huge friendly great dane rescue dog hike with us!  - Submitted by Charlie, Mon AM Aug. 15th