Schaumburg in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Letting in the Light

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 6, 2026

1. Letting in the Light Marker

Inscription. Small trees and brush were cleared from this area recently as part of efforts to restore native plants. The goal is to re-establish diverse and healthy communities of native plants which in turn support native wildlife.

Illinois' natural areas — prairies, wetlands, and oak-hickory woodlands — once consisted mostly of sun-loving plants, which also depend on periodic fire to thrive. The removal of non-native brush from this area will allow native wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs the space and light they need to grow. Once established, the recovering native plant communities will be maintained by periodic burning and the continued removal of non-native species when necessary.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 42° 1.476′ N, 88° 3.345′ W. Marker is in Schaumburg, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from Plum Grove Road 0.3 miles south of Schaumburg Road (County Route A66), on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Spring Valley, on a hiking path that is between the Volkening Heritage Farm and the Merkle Cabin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1111 East Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg IL 60193, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to the Farm! (within shouting distance of this marker); Merkle Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); A Cabin in the Woods (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Hazelnut (about 500 feet away); Bur Oak (about 500 feet away); Welcome to Spring Valley (about 600 feet away); Ironwood (about 600 feet away); White Oak (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schaumburg.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 6, 2026

2. Letting in the Light Marker

The marker is affixed to a post on the right side; the bigger sign near it is about the wildlife that lives in the trees.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 6, 2026

3. Letting in the Light Marker

The Volkening Heritage Farm is in the in the distance of this west-facing photo.

Leafy Layers of Life sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 6, 2026

4. Leafy Layers of Life sign

This marker, near the Letting in the Light marker, is about the animals that live in this forested area.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.