Conservation, Preservation and Restoration

Nothing may be removed from a forest preserve. Please respect the plants, trees, wildlife and artifacts for others to enjoy as they are protected by law!

Natural Areas

The Forest Preserve of Kane County recognizes the important responsibility to preserve and protect the natural heritage of Kane County. To that end, the Forest Preserve Commission created an ordinance that designates unique areas in the District as Natural Areas. These designated natural areas are places where the native plant community survive and represents the original nature of Kane County. Sadly, these special areas are only a small fraction of the land owned by the District. However, it is the intent of the District to use the natural areas as examples to restore the altered lands to a condition similar to that of the past. The natural areas are available for viewing, but the District wishes to have a minimum impact on these precious jewels of the past.

Restoration

Old maps and early surveyors notes describe local plant communities before settlement. Comparing new and old plant community information allows the District to chart a course for clearing operations, seeding of native plants and eventually a return to a more natural condition. Returning numerous acres of old pasture and cornfields back to native prairie, managing several Illinois State Nature Preserves on District land and reintroducing native grasses and wildflowers to overgrazed and overgrown woodlands is a challenge to which the District is fully committed.

Burns

One of the most valuable tools available for restoration is fire. Fire shaped our landscape prior to settlement and allows prairies, woods and wetlands to flourish. The District uses controlled burns to restore the native plant communities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities available for individuals, scout groups, corporate groups and service clubs in the areas of environmental education, ecological restoration and preservation of historic sites and structures. For information, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 847-741-9798.

Citizens can play an active part in wildlife habitat improvement projects through bluebird house construction and collecting seeds for prairie restoration projects. Opportunities are available to enhance and maintain historical sites owned by the District. One example is the Japanese Garden at Fabyan Forest Preserve that provides citizens opportunities to participate in planning, interpretation, planting and gardening.

What Citizens Can Do:

Visit your local preserve and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is important to leave plants and animals in their natural habitat and not stray from designated pathways. Whether hiking through field or woods, biking on a trail, camping at a campground or stopping a few minutes or spending the day, the preserves are open for you as well as the protection of our resources.

Dick Young Forest Preserve

This preserve contains Nelson Lake Marsh. Nelson Lake has existed more than 10,000 years and has evolved into a complex of marsh, fen and open water communities with woodland and savanna on much of its borders. The marsh, by acting as nature's sponge and a natural filter, is a source of clean, unpolluted water and home for plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. A trail leads visitors around the edge of the marsh and woods to the lake.

Nelson Lake is a unique relic of the past and has been set aside as a "living museum." Additionally, this site features a 150 acre prairie restoration and the Burton Wildlife Preserve.