We had a great turn out for the first Eco-tour of the season. They were all busy chatting and drinking coffee when the red trolley arrived. Ruby, the trolley driver, parked on the side of the building and opened the doors in a welcoming gesture. We rounded up everyone and had them board the wooden paneled trolley as quickly as possible as it wasn’t going to be easy sticking to our 2 hour timeframe. The trolley ‘s benches were a little tight, but what it lacked in comfort, it made up for in quaintness. We waited five more minutes as one registered guest was missing. When he didn’t show, Rod Sellers, our tour guide and local historian took his place at the front of the bus and we headed out to our first destination – the O’Brien Lock and Dam. Going down 130th, we passed the Hegewisch Marsh, the expanded Ford Motor plant, LaFarge Cement and a number of other industries that dot the Calumet River.
Because we were on a tight schedule, we quickly disembarked and gathered around as Rod explained the function of the locks and how the Calumet River was connected to the waterway system.
Time to get back on board and head for the site of the proposed CPD outdoor shooting range.
The falls over which the water from the river is pumped so that it is aerated.
A view of the Ford Motor Company across the river from the SEPA station.
The proprietor of Club 81 Too tells us the history of his restaurant as we stand gathered in his backyard along Wolf Lake.