Buffalo Creek Park
Buffalo Creek Park became Long Grove's first park district holding in the mid-1970's. It was purchased with a state grant and matched by community donations. The five acre park spans both sides of Buffalo Creek, and is just upsteam from the covered bridge. The site includes the gazebo, which was donated by the Long Grove Lion's Club and the memorial and gardens donated by the Wachs family in memory of the former Park District President, Edward H Wachs
The park, as well as the downstream public areas following the Covered Bridge path, are well taken care of by steward Vernadine Martlock. She has overseen restoration efforts along the creek and volunteer workers to restore the area to a better functioning stream corridor with native vegetation. More work needs to be done to combat invasive reed canary grass and other weedy species that have moved into area. Donated plantings of swamp white oaks have replaced hazardous older willows, and the Montessori School, junior stewards, have started a small prairie patch in the west side of the meadow.
Buffalo Creek Park and the adjoining path to the prairie next to the Long Grove Historical Society's farmhouse provide a restful and pleasant walk for resident families and visitors of downtown Long Grove. Efforts are being explored to further naturalize the park areas and beautify the historic landscape and stream corridor. We currently have a Watershed Management grant for $18,000.00 to restore sedge meadow corridor and some of the upland areas If you would like to participate in working at this site or others please call the park district.