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 wondrous habitats, and one day share it with the public. The site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 2021. This is an official status reserved for only the rarest and highest-quality natural areas in Illinois. Mowed hiking trails take visitors along a sedge meadow, through prairies home to incredible and rare native plants, and past impressive oak trees at this 25-acre preserve.