Entrance Road: 1602 Old Mill Road, Franklin Grove, IL
The Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail featuring the children’s book Miss Maple’s Seeds is located along the trail near the Hausen-Knox Shelter. Each of the 16 panels displays a page from the book.
Larry was an impassioned champion for not only maintaining and enjoying our natural world, but also encouraging reading for education and pleasure. In partnership with his dear wife, Carolyn, they founded Books on First, a true gem in downtown Dixon. His service on the board of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association was a task in which he took great pride. Emboldening children to value nature and literacy, this trail is in sincere dedication to Larry, and a gift from him for all to enjoy.
If you would like to purchase a copy of Miss Maple’s Seeds, stop into the Franklin Creek Grist Mill or Books on First, where they continuously stock books for nature lovers!
A HUGE thank you to all that made the creation and installation of the Larry Dunphy Storybook Trail possible: Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau, now known as Visit Northwest Illinois, Larry Dunphy family and friends, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the dedicated volunteers of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.
Parking Lot and Trail Head: 1508 Old Mill Road, Franklin Grove, IL
The Husar trail is dedicated to John Husar, who was a writer for the Chicago Tribune and an advocate for the conservation of natural areas. His book, A Voice in Our Wilderness, is a collection of his writings about the outdoors and all types of adventures here in the Midwest. Along this trail in the spring, you will be blown away by the Virginia bluebells, along with several other spring ephemerals, such as wild geranium. You might even find some Jack-in-the-Pulpit!
Also along the Husar trail is the mysterious Indian Head carving, discovered in 2024, previously hidden behind moss. It is yet unknown who carved this into the sandstone cliffs, but it is thought to be at least 100 years old. See a video here.
If you are interested in creating a memorial, please contact us.