West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve
Location
From Route 59, travel west on Hawthorne Lane. Turn south on Industrial Drive. The entrance is just south of Western Drive.
The 316-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve is one of northern Illinois' premier natural areas. The site contains over 500 native plant species and numerous wildlife species in its assortment of prairies, wetlands and savannas.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Nine walking/hiking trails meander through the site, which link together to cover 316 acres of grounds. Many also connect to the Illinois Prairie Path, which leads past preserve boundaries into West Chicago's Reed-Keppler Park.
Preserve History
Most of West Chicago Prairie had been idle for many years. It was originally owned by the Galena and Union Railroad (Chicago & Northwestern) from 1850 to 1960. During this time, the area was used as a stockyard, and some livestock grazing apparently occurred throughout the prairie.
The area was sold in 1960 for development, but the land remained unused because of its wetness. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the city of West Chicago jointly purchased the property in 1979, so this piece of native prairie, still partially preserved in a natural state, can remain natural forever.
Conservation
Native plant communities abound in the prairie, wetlands and woodland savannas. The prairie areas contain the greatest plant diversity in the county. The upland wooded savannas are dominated by majestic bur oaks and a unique array of plant species.
Wildlife species at the site are typical of those found in northeastern Illinois. Various species of interesting and uncommon snakes and other reptiles are found in the wetlands and prairies, some of which are endangered or rare. Also, inventories by the District and The Morton Arboretum uncovered 572 native species of plant life in the preserve.
West Chicago Prairie is different from other DuPage County forest preserves. It contains no fishing lakes or picnic areas but rather lends itself to a tranquil walk through the prairie and native ecosystems. Besides the parking lot, a restroom is the only development other than the trail system.
West Chicago Prairie's urban setting and easy access make it a rich research and educational resource. Casual and organized groups can participate in planned interpretive programs, natural history studies, bird watching and nature photography.
In order to ensure that this unique natural area will remain available to the public, many special management programs have been initiated in the prairie, including prescribed and controlled burning, the removal of alien and exotic plant species, and the removal of brush. These management and restoration efforts are aided by the West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857