Forest Preserves of Cook County 2019 Spring Brochure

CENTRAL fpdcc.com When walking in Thatcher Woods near the Des Plaines River this spring, you might see a soft shell turtle sunning itself on a log. You can recognize them from their leathery shell and snakelike head. Unlike other species, they only live near moving water. Turtles hibernate for the winter, Spring in the Preserves: Turtles spending the snowy season with a dramatically lower metabolism, buried in mud or near water. When the weather consistently warms, the six species that can be found in the Forest Preserves awaken. Please don’t disturb any turtle eggs! We want to keep adding to our population of young turtles in the preserves. Look through this guide for other wildlife and plants that can also be found in the Central Zone this spring. Photo: Soft shell turtle, Brian Winters 22 Central Zone Explore what’s wild and wonderful.