Austin Gardens Woodland Habitat

Austin Gardens Woodland Habitat. . Listen to the woodlands. Hear the crunching leaves underfoot as you walk along this path in the brisk months of autumn. Enjoy the spring forest musical of birds or frogs against the backdrop of budding trees and wildflowers. The stillness in the winter through this snow-covered woodland can be invigorating. There is nothing like a walk in the woods. , , Deciduous Trees , Deciduous trees, that shed their leaves in the fall, are abundant in the Woodland habitat. Woodland biodiversity is affected by the trees we plant. Native trees provide an adequate food source for wildlife, including migratory birds. Decaying trees provide a food source and shelter for many woodland inhabitants such as salamanders, worms and insects. , , Wildflowers , Wildflowers are the messengers of spring. They sprout, grow, flower, fruit and seed in the early months of spring before the tree leaves come out and block the sunlight. These spring blooms help feed insects and birds when little other food is available. A symbiotic relationship exists between the insects that feed on wildflowers, and then pollinate the flowers and disperse the seeds so new plants can grow. , , Woodland Community The woodland community is home to a variety of living organisms such as fungi, cicadas, wood frogs and migratory birds. Wood-eating insects and fungi turn decaying trees into humus, a dark, rich soil that replenishes this ecosystem. Migratory birds can be observed in this woodland area starting in late winter. Some make their home here, while others continue on with their journey. ,

The Austin Family bequeathed the estate to the Park District of Oak Park on the condition that it remains a public park bearing the family name. , A Trust for Austin Gardens is held by the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation with the proceeds used for extraordinary maintenance and recreation activities.