Dayton Bluffs Ravine Hike

2997 Illinois Route 71,Ottawa IL 61350

29 April, 2023

Description

Join The Conservation Foundation’s President/CEO Brook McDonald on a vigorous 2-mile hike at the 253-acre Dayton Bluffs Preserve near Ottawa and down a scenic ravine to learn about the site’s geology on Saturday, April 29th. Walk through hundreds of millions of years of Earth’s history learning about glaciers, shale, limestone, coal, and sandstone - all sedimentary rock layers from the Paleozoic Era, 250 to 550 million years ago. We will end at the Fox River and then hike back up a steep hill and past 1,000-year-old Native American burial mounds to get back to the current year 2023. We will also make a brief stop at a restored pioneer cemetery. The event is free, but is limited to only 25 people as this is a very difficult walk up and down hills and along a slippery creek through the ravine. Wear good, sturdy boots and be prepared to get them a little muddy.