TOP 30 Biodiversity hotspots in Illinois

15 results found

Bonnie's Prairie Nature Preserve is a picturesque park located in Watseka, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. With its diverse flora and fauna, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics in this serene setting. Bonnie's Prairie Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located in Momence, Illinois. This tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the beauty of the wetlands ecosystem. With its diverse plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species, the preserve provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about the local environment. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Plum Valley Preserve, located in Crete, Illinois, is a 491-acre park that is part of the Plum Creek preservation system. This preserve protects forest and wetland habitats, as well as a portion of Plum Creek. Visitors can enjoy a variety of plant and wildlife species, including reptiles, birds, and unique plant species like lobed violet and fire pink. The preserve features a 1-mile crushed limestone segment of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, perfect for hiking and exploring. Additionally, Plum Valley Preserve has a 9-acre off-leash dog park with three enclosures, one of which is exclusively for small dogs. The Burville Road access area offers a picnic shelter for rental, ideal for gatherings of up to 60 people. Stay updated on news and upcoming programs at the preserve by following their Facebook page. Make a donation to support the Nature Foundation of Will County and help enhance the education, conservation, and recreation programs at Plum Valley Preserve.

Queensbury Greens is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1520 Brookdale Road in Naperville, Illinois, United States. This lush green space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, relax in the shade of towering trees, or admire the colorful flowers and wildlife that call Queensbury Greens home. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind, explore nature, or simply enjoy a day outdoors, Queensbury Greens is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Libertyville Township Open Space District - Butterfield Road is a beautiful park located in Libertyville, Illinois, United States. This serene and picturesque open space offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature, relax, and engage in outdoor activities. With its lush greenery, walking trails, and scenic views, this park is the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Whether you're looking to connect with nature, exercise, or simply unwind, Libertyville Township Open Space District - Butterfield Road is a wonderful place to visit.

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Owned by the State of Illinois and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, this park is a true natural wonder. The Friends of Bohm Woods and HeartLands Conservancy provide stewardship assistance to help maintain this beautiful area. Visitors can enjoy a 2-mile loop trail through the old growth forest, which is one of only three remaining in the entire Metro East region. The towering hardwood trees, some hundreds of years old, create a unique canopy that supports a diverse community of plants and animals. Rare spring wildflowers and neotropical migrant songbirds can be spotted in this pristine environment.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Wilmington, Illinois, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving and restoring the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about this important natural habitat. With its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and educational programs, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.

Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful and scenic park located on Boncosky Road in Illinois, United States. This popular tourist attraction is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering a tranquil environment to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. With well-maintained walking trails and viewing areas, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the sights and sounds of the diverse bird population. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just looking for a relaxing outdoor experience, Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 2901 Park Avenue in Westchester, Illinois, United States. This park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve boasts a diverse range of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species that call this beautiful prairie home. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics surrounded by the serene beauty of the preserve. Come experience the tranquility and natural wonder of Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 16400 West Buckley Road in Libertyville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and a tranquil lake perfect for picnics, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors, Independence Grove Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

The Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois is a leading research institution for freshwater and marine science. Located in a region with abundant lakes, streams, and rivers, the center offers a unique opportunity for studying fisheries, fish biology, and aquatic ecosystems. With a strong focus on marine biology and close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the CFAAS provides a diverse and hands-on learning experience for students and researchers.

Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 509 State Route 155 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. This park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse array of plant and animal species in their natural habitat, including rare prairie plants and wildlife. With its scenic trails, picturesque views, and peaceful atmosphere, Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for a relaxing day in the great outdoors.

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, located on Division Street in Lockport, Illinois, is a 320-acre park and tourist attraction that is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system. The preserve protects a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can explore 0.43 miles of natural surface trails for hiking and running, while enjoying the diverse wildlife and plant species that call the preserve home. The site is managed with invasive species control, prescribed burning, and monitoring activities to protect and enhance its natural resources. Due to the sensitivity of the site's natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve. Visitors can stay updated on news and upcoming programs at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve by following their Facebook page. Additionally, donations to the Nature Foundation of Will County and the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation help support the Forest Preserve District's education, conservation, and recreation programs.

Welcome to the Samuel Barnum Mead Savanna Nature Preserve, a serene oasis located in the heart of Basco, Illinois. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Hancock County, our nature preserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of Illinois' natural savanna ecosystems. At the Samuel Barnum Mead Savanna Nature Preserve, we are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of native plant and animal species. Our park features a diverse array of habitats, including open savannas, lush woodlands, and vibrant wildflower meadows, providing a haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.

Welcome to Fults Hill Prairie State Natural Area, a serene escape into nature located at 4301 South Lake Drive, Chester, Illinois. As a treasured park in the heart of the Midwest, Fults Hill Prairie offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of Illinois' finest examples of native hill prairie ecosystems. Spanning over picturesque landscapes, this natural area is home to diverse plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and bird watchers alike. Discover the beauty of the rolling hills and sweeping vistas as you traverse the well-maintained trails that wind through this pristine landscape. Whether you're seeking a peaceful day of solitude, a family outing, or an educational experience, Fults Hill Prairie provides a perfect setting with its rich biodiversity and stunning panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley.