The Coldwater Spring area was occupied by a number of Bureau of Mines buildings until they were finally torn down a couple of years ago. Now oak savanna restoration is underway and the spring is more accessible via footpaths. It’s truly a great sight, only mildly impaired by the noise from Highway 55. Those abandoned buildings were fun to explore but the new prairie is even better.
It’s funny how society’s priorities change. Forty years ago having a steel mill (or whatever it was) seemed like the best use of this land. Now, with even greater property values, a nature preserve seems like a better use of it, even if it requires a lot of work in restoration and upkeep.
I look forward to spring when the prairie will be alive with third or fourth year growth.
pseudoisaac 