Openlandscapes: Glide through the snowy trails of Camp Sagawau

Unearth the wintery landscapes of Camp Sagawau and enjoy a one-of-a-kind cross-country ski experience. The 12-acre nature preserve is located 35 minutes from downtown Chicago in Lemont, Illinois and offers a variety of nature programs throughout the year. Individual access is restricted outside of tours and ski trails due to the rare native habitat in need of preservation. However, from the ski trail you can glimpse a view of the dolomite limestone canyon – estimated to be 100,000 years old and the only canyon in Cook County.

What you'll find: Skiers at any level can try out the trails. New skiers are welcome; lessons are available at 9:30 a.m. on weekends for ages 12 and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Novice skiers should check out the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center's Nordic Skiing Preparation Guide for Beginners. Rental equipment is available and discounts are given to families and seniors.

For more information on lessons and ski rental, visit the Sagawau Nordic Ski Program website.

History: Camp Sagawau Nature Preserve is surrounded by Sag Valley and is part of the Palos/Sag Preserves of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It was bought in 1952 from the Young Women's Christian Association who used it as a vacation and rest camp. The nature preserve contains some rare ecosystems, one of which, the dolomite prairie, represents 20% of the world's total, and is considered globally imperiled. Another interesting feature is the limestone quarries that were mined by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s, exposing bedrock containing fossils from more than 400 million years ago. The Cal-Sag Channel runs along the northern boundary of Sag Valley and is part of the proposed 32-mile Cal-Sag Trail.

In 2008, construction started on the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. The facility now boasts multiple exhibits, a theater, and classrooms. The Center's first floor features a ski lodge complete with lockers, rental facilities and a large fireplace to warm up.

Openlands' Involvement: Openlands has worked in the Sag Valley region of southwest Cook County for more than 10 years. Using our wetland restoration skills and resources we've restored important natural areas by removing invasive and non-native plants, planting native trees, grasses and wildflowers, and continuing with stewardship activities such as controlled burns. We funded half the acquisition cost of a 7-acre parcel along Sagawau Canyon, which provides additional protection to the canyon and its water quality. Openlands has also undertaken ecological restoration at Bergman Slough and McMahon Woods and Fen. Camp Sagawau is a part of the 17,000 acres that make up the Palos Forest Preserve holdings. Through Openlands' help, these holdings will remain one of the largest contiguous and diverse areas of protected open space in northeast Illinois.

Directions and for more information: The Sagawau Environmental Learning Center is located 100 yards east of Archer Avenue or four miles west of Swallow Cliff Sledding Hill on Route 83 in Lemont. For additional information, please call 630-257-2045.