Chicago Outerbelt Trail - Middlefork Savanna - Lake Forest

Back on the Outerbelt Trail. We will meet at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest. There is a train stop at the Lake Forest West Side Train Station which is about 1-1/2 miles South of the meetup location. Milwaukee District North (MD-N) Train# 2601 leaves Union Station at 8:31 arriving at the Lake Forest station at 9:35 If anyone wants to take the train I will pick you up. Please confirm train and schedule prior to the event.
The nature preserve had formerly been heavily farmed and grazed. Lake Forest Open Lands has restored several wetlands, prairies and a large oak savanna. We exit the nature preserve and into Middlefork Savanna which features a mix of oak savanna and woodlands, wet and mesic prairies, sedge meadows and marshes. Middlefork provides valuable protection for many state and federally listed species. A 25-acre parcel here is considered the highest quality tallgrass savanna of its kind in the nation and recognized as a globally threatened ecosystem. This is a beautiful walk with many types of wildlife.
Distance will be about 6 1/2 miles +/-
For lunch we will return to Lamb's Farm. We went there about 6 weeks ago and both the food and prices were very good. Plus the rest of Lambs farm is open now -Lambs Farm includes several family attractions, such as a petting zoo, a pet shop, a miniature golf course, several small amusement rides, a restaurant, a thrift shop, a country store and a bakery.
Menu here: https://lambsfarm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MagnoliaCafeBakeryLunchMenu2022-1.pdf