Dayton Bluffs Preserve and Belrose Farm: A Treasure Trove of Natural Beauty and History.
As I stepped into the Dayton Bluffs Preserve in early October, I was greeted by the warmth of the sun peeking through the trees. The Illinois champion red mulberry caught my eye, its majestic presence a testament to the hard work of volunteers like Chris Woeltje who had carefully tended to it. With over 350 species of trees, grasses, and wildflowers, this preserve is a true gem.
Our tour was led by Renae Frigo, Land Stewardship for Naperville-based The Conservation Foundation, Dr. David Manigold, volunteer coordinator with Friends of the Dayton Bluffs, and Chris Woeltje. They shared with us the story of how 253 acres of woodland and agricultural fields were transformed into a beautiful public nature area through the dedication of over 200 volunteers since 2013.
As we explored the trails, we came across a variety of flora and fauna, including American spikenard, honey locust, late monarchs, wood for tunneling bumble bees and crane flies, asters, rattlesnake master, lady's tresses, blackhaw viburnum, stiff gentian, slender false foxglove, and cricket frogs. Each species added to the tapestry of life that we witnessed.
One highlight of our tour was the restored settlers cemetery and Native American burial mounds, a poignant reminder of the rich history of this land. The site also features a rare hill prairie at Belrose Farm near Wedron, which is being carefully restored to its former glory.
The Conservation Foundation's efforts to restore these areas are a testament to the power of community engagement and conservation work. As I walked through the preserve, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to this land and its people.
In addition to the natural beauty and history that we witnessed, our tour also highlighted the importance of volunteering and continuing education in our field. The Illinois Extension's Master Naturalist program and the Master Gardener training are excellent examples of how we can learn from one another and make a positive impact on our communities.
As I left Dayton Bluffs Preserve, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who tend to this land. It is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to preserving our natural world for future generations.
As I stepped into the Dayton Bluffs Preserve in early October, I was greeted by the warmth of the sun peeking through the trees. The Illinois champion red mulberry caught my eye, its majestic presence a testament to the hard work of volunteers like Chris Woeltje who had carefully tended to it. With over 350 species of trees, grasses, and wildflowers, this preserve is a true gem.
Our tour was led by Renae Frigo, Land Stewardship for Naperville-based The Conservation Foundation, Dr. David Manigold, volunteer coordinator with Friends of the Dayton Bluffs, and Chris Woeltje. They shared with us the story of how 253 acres of woodland and agricultural fields were transformed into a beautiful public nature area through the dedication of over 200 volunteers since 2013.
As we explored the trails, we came across a variety of flora and fauna, including American spikenard, honey locust, late monarchs, wood for tunneling bumble bees and crane flies, asters, rattlesnake master, lady's tresses, blackhaw viburnum, stiff gentian, slender false foxglove, and cricket frogs. Each species added to the tapestry of life that we witnessed.
One highlight of our tour was the restored settlers cemetery and Native American burial mounds, a poignant reminder of the rich history of this land. The site also features a rare hill prairie at Belrose Farm near Wedron, which is being carefully restored to its former glory.
The Conservation Foundation's efforts to restore these areas are a testament to the power of community engagement and conservation work. As I walked through the preserve, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to this land and its people.
In addition to the natural beauty and history that we witnessed, our tour also highlighted the importance of volunteering and continuing education in our field. The Illinois Extension's Master Naturalist program and the Master Gardener training are excellent examples of how we can learn from one another and make a positive impact on our communities.
As I left Dayton Bluffs Preserve, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who tend to this land. It is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to preserving our natural world for future generations.
and it's literally breathtaking!!! i was so inspired by all the volunteers who worked hard to restore this land to its former beauty... 200+ people can make a huge difference, right? 
the history and wildlife there is just wow... i love how they're using education and community engagement to preserve natural areas like this... it's such a great reminder that we can all make a positive impact 
the fact that they're restoring hill prairies and Native American burial mounds is just amazing. it's like we've lost touch with our history and connection to nature, but places like this are showing us how to get back to that. 
! its like, amazing how many ppl came together 2 transform dis land into a gem 
& how much history & beauty u can find there 
keep doin wat u r doin tht foundation & preserve crew 
. I love that they're getting so much support from volunteers, it's amazing what can be achieved when people come together for a cause. And Renae Frigo led an awesome tour, she's super knowledgeable about the area. The settlers cemetery and Native American burial mounds are really sombering reminders of the land's history 
. I'm not surprised to hear there are Native American burial mounds and a settlers cemetery - history is so cool 
. But what really gets me is how they're restoring the hill prairie at Belrose Farm... like, totally mind-blowing 
. It's amazing how community engagement and conservation work can make a difference, you know? We should all be like these volunteers, just chillin' in nature, makin' it better for everyone 
I'm tellin' ya, somethin' fishy's goin' on with all these preserves and farms bein' restored 
. All these volunteers comin' together to restore the land... sounds too good to be true, if you ask me 
. What's really goin' on? Are they plantin' somethin' more than just wildflowers and trees? 
I'm not sayin' it's bad or nothin', but I got a weird feelin' about this...
just read about Dayton Bluffs Preserve & I'm totally stoked! 
it's like stepping into another time. And can we talk about the volunteers? Chris Woeltje's mulberry tree is insane! 
. The amount of work and love that goes into restoring these beautiful spaces is just incredible. I mean, 200+ volunteers since 2013? That's dedication on a whole other level 
. And to think about all the species they're helping to thrive... it's like a never-ending puzzle piece of life 
. It's so inspiring to see communities come together to make a positive impact on our environment 
. Can't wait to explore more natural wonders like this! 
i mean, who knew that settlers cemetery and native american burial mounds were hidden here? 
and can we talk about the beauty of that hill prairie at belrose farm near wedron?! it's like a little piece of heaven on earth