Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve

a stream in Paw Paw Woods
Photo by Kevin Coyote-Trust.

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Location & Things to Do

Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve

Things to Do & Amenities

  1. Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies.
Illinois Nature Preserve: This land is designated as one of the highest quality natural areas in the state by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This status includes increased levels of legal protection and management. Learn more on the Illinois Nature Preserves Page.

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts


Volunteer Opportunities

Paw Paw Woods is one of the oldest dedicated Nature Preserves in Illinois. It contains bluff and floodplain forest communities. The forest supports many interesting and unusual plants: paw paw, shingle oak, chinquapin oak, spicebush, and an abundance of woodland wildflowers. Volunteer activities center on the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and barberry. Collection and distribution of seeds may also be done in season.