Schurmeier Teaching Forest
147 E. Reusch Rd., Elizabeth, IL 61028
Bird & Eagle Watching
Two miles of beginner and intermediate hiking trails, educational signage teaches about tree and forestry practices. This forest is the perfect place to spend the day.
Jerry and Jon Schurmeier donated the original 52 acres of Schurmeier Teaching Forest to JDCF in 1994, in memory of their parents. To our knowledge, this is the only teaching forest in Illinois. A self-guided tree identification booklet is available for free at the kiosk and corresponds to signage along the trail.
This rugged, hillside property is entirely wooded. Although the site was generally logged many years ago, the deeper ravines include some awe-inspiring old-growth timber. A picnic shelter, surrounded by native prairie plants, is available for family gatherings, and is the meeting point for our spring and fall forest walks.
JDCF preserves are open daily dawn to dusk and free of charge unless otherwise posted at www.jdcf.org.
Dogs on leash are welcome.
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