Natural Resource Mission
The Bolingbrook Park District formulated a Natural Resources Department to both protect and maintain the districts natural areas and trail systems. The park district manages over 400 acres of prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and savanna. Working out of Hidden Oaks Nature Center, this department is working with three goals in mind:
1. Maintain and restore the District's natural areas and trails.
2. Plan a comprehensive schedule of environmental and interpretive programs.
3. Initiate a public awareness campaign to educate the community to the benefits of natural areas.
Visiting these natural areas allows for a look into different ecosystem types as well as the plant and wildlife that lives there. Come see the difference between a woodland and a savanna or the vegetation change between a wetland and prairie. Whether it is a self guided walk through our parks or joining a nature based program, our natural areas will provide you with a positive recreational experience.
When settlement occurred on our lands, natural areas were quickly drained, converted into farmland, and fragmented. In more recent years, building of homes, highways and other infrastructure has decreased our available natural areas and made what’s left susceptible to invasive species. The goal of restoration is to preserve these remaining areas and convert them back to a condition that would have been present in presettlement times
See smoke in the air? Wondering why that tree is being cut down?
Those are signs that our Natural Resource crew is performing restoration on our natural areas. Annual prescribed burns, selective clearing of invasive species, and several other techniques are used in our natural areas to restore and maintain quality ecosystems. If you would like more information on our natural areas, volunteer opportunities, or nature programming please contact the Hidden Oaks Nature center at (630) 739-2600.