Situated near the confluence of the Des Plaines River, DuPage River, and Kankakee River as they flow into the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center opens up incredible avenues for nature learning and exploration. Located in Channahon, Illinois, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and the surrounding McKinley Woods Forest Preserve welcome visitors to quite a fascinating Will County Forest Preserve.
Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock, Illinois dazzled us with a 65-foot deep lake, meandering creeks, dense woodlands, and prairies full of flowers and butterflies. Over 10-miles of hiking trails invite exploration of this Kane County preserve throughout the year.
Spectacular weather recently enticed us to explore the many rolling trails of Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood, Illinois. We quickly became enamored by the glacial sculpting of this amazing McHenry County preserve and are already anticipating return visits. Visit Glacial Park Conservation Area with us:
Recently, we hiked at McHenry County Conservation District's second-largest preserve, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, near Woodstock, Illinois. I had heard a number of good things about Pleasant Valley so it has been on my list for a while. I am glad that we finally had an opportunity to explore this wonderful preserve!
On a warm, sunny spring day during the height of bird migration, we ventured to Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary in Dundee, Illinois for our first time. What once was a gravel mining site now is the location of a preserve established to provide vital habitat to birds and other wildlife. Additionally, the trails provide avenues of nature exploring and bird watching for visitors.
Pond Tranquility and Wildlife Visits Enchant at Stickney Run
Stickney Run Conservation Area in McHenry County immediately dazzled us with wetland views. We quickly experienced a preserve full of wildlife abuzz with the excitement of spring.
Richard Young Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois welcomed us to a magnificent nature haven full of creek meanders, breathtaking ravines, fall leaves gracefully dropping leaves, mysterious fungus and more. We visited this spectacular preserve for the first time this past weekend and quickly learned that it would become one of our favorites in the region.
Fall colors finally exploded across the Chicago region. Last weekend, we had an itch to explore somewhere new while looking for fall colors. So, we headed to the new-to-us Marengo Ridge Conservation Area in McHenry County.
Wandering for Emerald Greens Greeted by Butterflies at Lyons Woods
Lyons Woods Forest Preserve quickly treated us to a magical hiking experience complete with butterflies flitting right by our heads in a dense forest. Can we say I am smitten? The Waukegan, Illinois forest preserve unfolded a multitude of natural wonders from an assemblage of habitats as we hiked through a section of the preserve.
Hiking Through Woodlands, Into Ravines and Along a Lake at Reed-Turner Woodland
A chilly spring day brought us to a new-to-us forest preserve in Long Grove, Illinois -- Reed-Turner Woodland. My husband and I actually enjoy hiking on the chillier, cloudy days because there tend to be fewer people on the trails. This means more tranquility and also a higher likelihood of seeing wildlife! As newbies to Reed-Turner, we did not know the nature delights that would unfold before us. Soon, we found ourselves enjoying a magical preserve.
Rounding Maple Lake at Meacham Grove Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale, Illinois
Meacham Grove Nature Preserve quickly appeared to be a local favorite as we embarked on our adventure on a warm -- yes, warm -- winter day. The slushy path did not deter hikers from hiking up the hill and rounding the lake. Quickly, we became enamored with this nature preserve immediately upon spying Maple Lake.
Trekking over Snow Covered and Looped Trails of The Hollows Conservation Area for a Winter Nature Respite
The Hollows Conservation Area of Cary, Illinois invites wanderers to admire a range of ecosystems in all seasons. We embarked on a few of the trails during our late January hiking adventure appreciating trails that rolled through a snow covered environment.
Rolling Trails and Mini Boulders at Hickory Grove Highlands in Cary, Illinois
Rolling trails, a smattering of small boulders and sweeping grassland views captivated us on an early winter hike at Hickory Grove Highlands in Cary, Illinois. With the golden winter sun just beginning to dip, we embarked on a hike on a December afternoon immediately greeted by a rolling trail.
A Snowy Ramble at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, Illinois
Our ramble through fresh, sugary snow at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles was the adventure winter dreams are made of! We immediately embraced the winter wonderland surrounding us from the powdery, glittery snow underfoot to the snow dusted trees. We celebrated a beautiful and tranquil day exploring LeRoy Oakes.
Searching for Forest Fairies During The Grove's Fairy Quest
The Grove National Historic Landmark in Glenview unfolds a diverse nature oasis year round. We love periodic adventures to observe changes in the flora and fauna. Today, I learned that The Grove has an app with a few tours including the newest The Grove's Fairy Quest. I thought it would be fun to look for little woodland fairies, so my husband and I set out on the trail on a beautiful fall day!
A Nest of Trails, Lake Views and Forest Treasures at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, Illinois
Often, our hiking adventures have taken us to preserves all around Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. My interest piqued every time we drove past on our way to a different destination. On a sunny fall day, we finally adventured to Herrick Lake Forest Preserve and certainly were dazzled. Immediately upon parking, I was ready to soak in lake views. Herrick Lake presents a striking yet tranquil landscape. We noted a few visitors quietly sitting by the lake, some reading books. How could you not want to sit for awhile soaking up this view:
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area: A Habitat Restoration Success Story in Wheaton, Illinois
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area provides for a unique ecological adventure right in Wheaton, Illinois. Our first adventure at Lincoln Marsh treated us not only to the brilliant colors of the changing seasons but a wealth of wildlife viewing wetlands, woodlands and prairie.
15 Chicago Suburban Forest Preserves for Fall Colors
Fall colors at Chicago Suburban Forest Preserves create an ever changing kaleidoscope of adventures during autumn in Chicago. I have collected a list of spots that we check for fall colors during this time of year to help you choose a spot for wonderment!
Meandering Wooded Footpaths of the Glenview Woods section of Illinois' Harms Woods
Glenview Woods invited a forest exploration for us yesterday as we celebrated a rest from work for the day. During a number of trips from our home to Skokie, we passed right by the verdant woods. Yet, our visit yesterday was our first! As we meandered through Glenview Woods, a plethora of natural footpaths spiraled off the main trail opening up the possibilities of many adventures.
