Whether overcast or sunny skies, April is time to head down to Knoch Knolls Park to observe the wooded landscape. Typically by mid-April the natural scene along the DuPage River becomes blanketed with bluebells.
For years, vivid memories of the beautiful violet-blue bluebells in this tranquil setting have carried us from one spring season to the next in the peaceful park that showcases a history dating back to 1830 when the Scott family settled in this community.
Bicyclists in large numbers always pass us along the paved path that leads to the bridge over the DuPage River. And before we cross the bridge, we’re likely to watch a joyful group of individuals playing Frisbee golf in the distance.
Frisbee golf is an internationally-played flying disc game in which individual players throw a flying disc toward a wire basket on a set course. In the spirit of the game of golf where a low score is better, the object of the game is to follow a course from start to finish in the fewest number of throws of the disc.
Yet, our trips to Knoch Knolls are not to play games.
Rather, the natural surroundings that include sounds, sights and smells of springtime attract us to the woodlands where we’ve often watched beaver and deer in the distance, enjoyed bird calls overhead and egrets wading in the DuPage River.
When we begin looking for bluebells, we take a hard right on the first trail just over the bridge.
On annual treks, we quickly wind into the middle of a predictable sea of green, budding with bluebells. Uprooted trees, tangled branches and knotted treetops produce an unusual calm all along the DuPage River.
It’s our custom to traipse along the dirt paths, where signs of controlled burns and a ground covered with brown fallen leaves from earlier seasons are in plain view.
We’re always delighted to discover an occasional clump of bright yellow daffodils, mayapples (a.k.a. “umbrella plants”) popping through the brush and tiny white bloodroot among many other wildflowers along the trail.
Buddy up and head on down to Knoch Knolls Park where it’s time to keep your eyes out for bluebells, likely to open in full bloom by the end of the April.
You also might want to take pocket field guides of Illinois birds, trees and wildflowers.
Be safe! Note also the winding trails throughout blankets of bluebells come with an abundance of exposed roots (tread carefully), some mixed with umbrella plants (mayapples) among countless varieties of tiny pastel wildflowers. (Be mindful that the umbrella plants spread to create clusters and they oftentimes grow in large masses. We learned years ago that mayapples are best viewed from a distance because they’re poisonous. Don’t touch.)
Take time to enjoy every view. Bluebells don’t last long. Just don’t walk among the bluebells. Crushing their leaves produces die back and it can take several years for bluebells to bounce back.
The month of April is also the time when the west extension of the Naperville Riverwalk and throughout Sindt Woods begin blooming beautifully with bluebells.
It’s a wonderful time to accept renewal of free spirit, peace and good nature all around.
—PN
2024 bluebells begin to bloom at Knoch Knolls Park
Editor’s Update, April 13, 2024 / For the best experience of freedom in this natural setting, try leaving smart phones at home. Thanks for reading!
