Biking with Butterflies Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Sep 27, 2026; 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM  (Central)

Organized By: River Prairie Group

Location: Communter parking lot near north end of N. Montclair Ave, Glen Ellyn

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Ed Max
   hortusmax@gmail.com
   6302093005

We will be biking and getting up close and personal with the many patches of native habitats, and the many species of plants, insects and butterflies that inhabit them -  all right along the wonderful bike trail (Il Prairie Path).
DMP is always looking for new ways to reach out to the public and connect people with nature. This year we're collaborating with one of our members, the Illinois Prairie Path (IPP), on a bike ride to highlight the prairie plantings along the path. The Illinois Prairie Path is a well-known amenity, but the mission of the IPP is less well known. Its mission is to preserve, enhance and advocate on behalf of the Illinois Prairie Path. Many years ago, the group decided the Prairie Path needed some prairie. Planting prairie was an especially fitting initiative for this rail-to-trail conversion because railways played a pivotal role as seed sources for early prairie restorations. The prairie planting at Volunteer Park in Wheaton is located at milemarker zero and offers a welcoming sight to all trail users. We visited the site in July and it looked good!
We are planning a Biking & Butterflies ride on September 27, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will go from the Montclair Monarch Meadow in Glen Ellyn to Volunteer Park in Wheaton and return to Glen Ellyn. Total distance is 6 miles. Six areas, ranging from tended gardens to natural areas, are found along this route.


IPP will manage the ride and DMP is handling the plants and butterflies.
Mid to late September is a good time to see migrating monarchs and newly mated queen bumble bees foraging to build up fat for winter hibernation. No studying required, simply share what you know.
You're welcome to join the ride but if you don't wish to ride, you can drive, as convenient parking is available at each location.

I hope you'll join us for Biking & Butterflies on September 27th 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm! It is an opportunity to visit prairie along the Prairie Path and introduce people to the pollinators that call it home.
Our resident Naturalist will be along to narrate and explain the benefit of planting natives, esp late season blooming species for the many insects (and Monarch!)  that rely on them.
This should be a fun afternoon!
Some biking experience preferred for this relatively short ride (3 miles ea way, - (from the east side of Glen Ellyn, to west side of  downtown Wheaton and back).
There are several street crossing to be aware of, plus wearing helmets is mandatory..
Also: this is a crushed gravel path, so thin tires may be tricky.  A spare tire is also a good idea (to have on the bike pack,
just in case of a flat).
 

Level: Easy

Cost: donations accepted on site

Signup Instructions: sign up soon, tbis event will fill fast

Additional Directions: meet up at the Montclair parking lot , just east of Park, in Glen Ellyn, beginning at 1:30

Cancellation Policy: Any rain cancels