Dundee-Crown High School has a unique ecology course entitled Raceway Woods. Lead by teacher Gary Swick, the course studies the ecological situation in Raceway Woods, the portion of the track property owned by the Kane County Forest Preserve District and the Dundee Township Park District. The students get hands-on experience identifying and saving true native trees and plants and pulling out the interlopers that should not have taken root in this area.
They cut and trim the plant life and work on erosion control. They have also set up a nature trail that goes around the property with signs calling attention to unique items.
May 1, 2002 was the dedication day for the new trail system. The ceremonies were attended by the participating students, members of the involved governmental bodies, neighbors, press and other interested parties.
One of the signs placed had a timeline for the track property. It indicated that the park boards had resolved to acquire the balance of the track property. Aside from the usual legal glitches, it sounds as if the project is moving along. So the entire track property should be saved.
I heard the comment made that the Pure Oil Tower would remain standing. I did not get an answer on the remaining paving, including the Little Monza section of the track. But the ecology minded people who are now managing the property seem to have a good appreciation of the track's history and the appeal that this portion of the property's history has to visitors.
