Crabtree Nature Center

Before 1830, this land was clothed in forest, prairie and marsh, but then people brought rapid change to the countryside. Prairies were plowed to grow crops; timber cut for fuel and building material; marshes drained for farming or dredged to make lakes. Since its purchase in the mid-1960′s by the Forest Preserve District, Crabtree has been slowly returning to its natural state, through the natural process of plant succession assisted by Forest Preserve management.

With a list of over 260 species observed and at least 89 species recorded breeding, Crabtree is a haven for birds and bird watchers. Crabtree Lake hosts ducks and geese in spring and fall.

In spring wildflowers carpet the woodlands, followed by summer and fall blossoms in the meadows and prairies.

 

Exhibits and several miles of self-guiding trails enable you to enjoy the wildlife and native plants and to learn of the vital relationships in nature which allow all of us to survive on this earth of ours.

Picnic facilities are available at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, 2 1/2 miles east on Dundee Road (Route 68); Shoe Factory Road Woods on Route 59; and Barrington Road Pond on Barrington Road.

 

View Larger Map