Forester: Self-Guided
With the assistance of our plant guide, hike through the forest preserve trails and become familiar with the different species of plants and trees that call the preserve home. Many other fun activities and useful teaching tools are provided.
Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.
Lakewood, Wauconda
Lakewood is Lake County's largest forest preserve. The site features a variety of habitats, including oak woods, wetlands and fields. Lakewood Forest Preserve is located near Wauconda in southwestern Lake County. The main entrance is located on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road.
Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods
Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve is one of the best examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a rare northern Illinois landscape. Comprising more than 500 acres, the site supports some of Illinois' most pristine woodlands and several state threatened and endangered species. Ryerson is home to the Welcome Center, a green building that houses the Forest Preserve Environmental Education division, and serves as a classroom for numerous education programs.
Ryerson Conservation Area is located in southeast Lake County near Deerfield. The entrance and parking area are located on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road (Route 22) and Deerfield Road, just west of the Interstate 94 Tollway.
Search Programs
