Brunner Family Forest Preserve
Dundee, IL
Description
Brunner Family Forest Preserve features woodlands and wetlands along a 3.5-mile stretch of the Fox River. Preserve amenities include two picnic shelters, water pump, information kiosk, fishing access, interpretive signs, double vault restroom, and miles of trail to explore across 723 acres! A 12-acre fen restoration is in progress, as is a 20-acre wetland restoration and a 60-acre prairie restoration.
The area has been deemed some of the highest quality, unprotected habitat in Kane County. Bald eagles have been observed along the riverfront, in addition to rare mussels in the Fox River and regionally rare plant and shrub species. Among priorities are bird habitats for the Willow Flycatcher, American Bittern and Sedge Wren. The District also plans brush removal to support habitats for Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies and other animals.
Located between Route 31 and the Fox River, Brunner is bordered by Buffalo Park Forest Preserve in Algonquin to the north, Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville on the south and east sides of the Fox River, and Raceway Woods Forest Preserve to the southwest. When combined, these forest preserves make for over 1,000 acres of contiguous open space.
In addition to the high ecological value, the District also has a contracted regenerative farm operation within the preserve.
Preserve Map Reserve Shelter #1
Amenities
- ADA Accessible Trails
- Biking
- Fishing
- Grills
- Hiking
- Parking Lot
- Picnic Shelters
- Restrooms
- Sledding
- Trails - Asphalt
- Trails - Limestone
- Trails - Mowed
History
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County was awarded a record-breaking grant to help acquire this unparalleled property. On Nov. 4, 2008, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation awarded the District a $1,460,000 Foundation Signature Grant, the largest grant ever received by the District. Without the assistance of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, this property was slated to be developed into 2,000 townhomes. Now, it's public open space to be preserved in perpetuity.
In May 2013, the Forest Preserve District was awarded an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) grant for the initial development of Brunner Family Forest Preserve.