Exploring nature at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois
We visited Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville for the first time last week in hopes of seeing a few fall colors. Fall colors have just started popping here, so we did see a few. While we did not see as many as I had hoped, we did notice that the area is perfect for birding. Here is a little cardinal that was being a bit shy:
Blackwell Forest Preserve is a fairly sizable preserve with a rolling landscape, woods, wetlands, grasslands and prairie. So, you can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the year.
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| Fall colors popping up just a tad. |
For our hike, we took the Egret Trail which bordered on some wetlands and took us into the forest. We noted quite a few different birds. We saw cardinals, cedar waxwings, downy woodpeckers, robins and more. I believe this is a yellow rumped warbler:
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| Yellow rumped warbler at Blackwell Forest Preserve. |
Near the wetlands, we enjoyed the sounds of ducks and geese that were just beyond the cattails:
There are quite a few other trails to explore in Blackwell Forest Preserve plus plenty of space to just spread out and revel in nature. We were a bit tight on time but did spend a little time at the kame which is a mound of sand and gravel left by a melting ice sheet.
The kame is known for its biological richness. I am sure it is pretty interesting to watch it change with the seasons. I did enjoy peering at it under newly changed leaves. Blackwell has an interesting history including the discovery of a woolly mammoth in the preserve!
To know about Blackwell Forest Preserve:
- Snow tubing: Snow tubing is available on Mount Hoy if the snow is over 3" on certain days. See website for more info.
- Archery Range is available.
- An off leash dog area is available.
- Cantigny Park is nearby, so you can visit both in one day.
- Camping is available in warmer months.
- There is a Compass Course on Mount Hoy.
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