Loaded with full color photographs and evocative descriptions, Exploring Nature in Illinois provides a panorama of the state's overlooked natural diversity. Naturalists Michael Jeffords and Susan Post explore fifty preserves, forests, restoration areas, and parks, bringing an expert view to wildlife and landscapes and looking beyond the obvious to uncover the unexpected beauty of Illinois's wild places. From the colorful variety of birds at War Bluff Valley Audubon Sanctuary to the exposed bedrock and cliff faces of Apple River Canyon, Exploring Nature in Illinois will inspire readers to explore wonders hidden from urban sprawl and cultivated farmland. Maps and descriptions help travelers access even hard-to-find sites while a wealth of detail and photography offers nature-lovers insights into the flora, fauna, and other aspects of vibrant settings and ecosystems. The authors also include diary entries describing their own impressions of and engagement with the sites. A unique and much-needed reference, Exploring Nature in Illinois will entertain and enlighten hikers, cyclers, students and scouts, morning walkers, weekend drivers, and anyone else seeking to get back to nature in the Prairie State.

History of Champaign County Forest Preserve District -- Lake of the Woods county park -- Salt Fork River Forest Preserve -- Middlefork River Forest Preserve -- special event and educational programs -- the conservation function -- rental facilities -- calendar of events

Produced by Openlands in 2006, and covers Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Forest Preserve District of Kane County,
Kendall County Forest Preserve District, Lake County Forest Preserve District. McHenry County Conservation District, and Forest Preserve District of Will County.

AVAILABLE ONLINE. The Prairie Research Institute worked with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to produce this plan for the management of over 69,000 acres in the district, which includes 50,000 acres of natural lands and at least 550 archaeological sites.