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Techny Basin Great Blue Heron LbNA #20470 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Kiddy Writer
Plant date:Feb 18, 2006
Location:
City:Glenview
County:Cook
State:Illinois
Boxes:1
Found by: Songdog Sorensen
Last found:Nov 24, 2007
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFam
Last edited:Feb 18, 2006
May, 2008 - Unfortunately, this LB is gone. I will try to recarve and rehide it soon. It will probably be in a different location, however. I thought it was safe... not so.

Techny Basin Conservation Area is located south of Willow and west of Johns Drive in Glenview. Finding it can be a challenge. From Willow, go south on Johns Drive or come from LeHigh to Chestnut to Johns. At Ravine Way, go east a short distance to Claire Court. Wiggle around on Claire to the cul de sac. Don’t park on the cul de sac. It’s posted, “No parking.” Swing around the circle and find the gravel entrance drive. Park in the lot provided.

This letterbox adventure is an easy one but you’ll have to do some scrambling around to find the treasure. It could be considered wheelchair accessible, though someone in a wheelchair would need a helper for the last 20 feet. Your dog is welcome on a leash.

The great blue heron is a large water wading bird. It stands 45 inches tall and is the largest North American heron. Its wingspan is over 7 feet! You might see it take off and fly right over the river as it looks for its favorite food. It spears fish or frogs with its sharp beak. It will also eat insects, snakes, turtles, and small rodents and birds. Be careful! It might eat your goldfish if you leave them out in a pond in the summer. If you’re out on a cold winter day, you won’t see any great blues. They migrate to warmer regions.

This conservation area is a water retention area with a walking, running, or biking trail. It is along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Many animals can be seen in the conservation area, especially in spring, summer and fall.

Head east from the parking lot to a trail along a split rail fence. It goes more than one direction, so make sure you’re going east. Soon, the trail will fork. Just to the left is a bridge. Check it out. If it says, “Steadfast Bridge,” you’re at the right spot. Don’t cross the bridge. Look at the sign on the bridge railing. It’s a 5 ton bridge. If you are reading a "No vehicular traffic" sign, you're in the right place. YOU MUST BE CAREFUL NOW! A child will need a taller person. Walk down and over the tippy stones. Go down low and look high up. You're in a spillway. Over your head (if you're only 5 feet) is the bridge. The treasure is there under some rocks and on the metal supports. You don’t want to spill yourself as you go down and around the spillway, so be careful.

Be discreet as you log this one. If it isn’t below zero outside, there may be many people enjoying the park or playing games. I removed this from its first hiding place because the kids were way too close. Carefully replace the LB exactly where you found it.