The Mąą Pįį (“Good Earth” in the Ho-Chunk language) Preserve is a place that welcomes all people to gather, learn, and participate; where conservation science and Indigenous ecological and cultural knowledge come together through land, food, and community. Unlike our...

Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges Nature Preserve 9532 E Twin Bridges Rd, Warren, IL. The story of the Rutherford Refuge begins with a vision shared by husband and wife, the late John and Barbara Rutherford. A vision to purchase a tract of land, restore its rare and...

Schurmeier Forest 147 E Reusch Rd, Elizabeth, IL. Jerry and Jon Schurmeier donated the original 52 acres of Schurmeier Teaching Forest to JDCF in 1994, in memory of their parents. A self-guided tree identification booklet is available for free at the kiosk and...

Wapello Land & Water Reserve 8642 IL RT 84 South, Hanover, IL. The South Trail at Wapello is closed now until July 1 due to seasonal flooding and to protect nesting birds. All other trails will remain open. The 170-acre Wapello Land and Water Reserve is an...

Galena Gateway Park – A JDCF Partner Reserve 9300 Powder House Hill Rd, Galena, IL.  Located just east of downtown Galena, Gateway Park offers visitors 180-acres of hilly trails through restored prairies and oak savannas with scenic views of the city. A...