Lake Ellyn Park 2013 Master Plan

2 site analysis & existing conditions
a. History
Lake Ellyn Park and the parcels it occupies have a long,
fascinating history. The history of Lake Ellyn and the
Village of Glen Ellyn are inextricably interconnected -
the story of Lake Ellyn Park is a big part of the founding
and development of the Village. The Glen Ellyn Historical
Society curates many historical records, articles, images,
and records about the park. Following are a few brief
highlights:
Natural history
Much of DuPage County, including the land around
Lake Ellyn Park was historically a tapestry of prairies,
open-grown woodlands, savannas, wet meadows, fens,
and springs. These landscapes were home to many
hundreds of species of trees, grasses, wildflowers, birds,
insects, and other animals. The land was occupied by
Native populations for approximately 10,000 years prior
to European settlement. In the mid 1800’s, the land
was actively “managed” through cultural activities by
the Native people, such as selective harvesting of wood,
collection of certain medicinal and dye plants, and annual
fire. These practices ensured that food, fuel, fiber, and all
of the other needs were provided. These practices coupled
with stable, constant natural process (hydrology) also
provided for the health and fertility of the land. A glimpse
of what this landscape might have been like is still visible
in nearby Churchill Woods Forest Preserve downstream
(northeast) of the park. It is home to one of the county’s
few remaining remnant prairies, and the many tree and
perennial species found there are indicative of the plants
native to Glen Ellyn.
churchill woods
natural infiltration diagram
Lake Ellyn Park Master Plan 13