The owner of Boulevard Bikes recommends checking out the flora and fauna along the Des Plaines River Trail. Divided by three-quarters of a mile of busy streets, the south section of the trail covers about 11 miles of wooded and prairie land, while the 12-mile north end weaves through wetlands. The trail features an abundance of wildflowers and vegetation such as marsh marigolds in the wetlands south of the Che-Che-Pin-Qua Woods and Schiller Woods South, along with sugar maples north of Camp Fort Dearborn; a grave of one of the area's last Native American chiefs can be found on the north side of Lawrence. Check out the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Web site at Fpdcc.com for a great map of the area, which highlights the various points of interest. Call (847) 367-3692 for information.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jessica Herman