Barbara Reed-Turner

Barbara is familiar to most people in the Long Grove area as the namesake of Reed-Turner Woodland Preserve, a natural treasure of woodland, ravine, sedge meadow, creek, pond, stream, wildflowers, and wildlife. Barbara grew up in this area and later donated her family’s land as a nature preserve. Her colorful history and generous legacy to Long Grove extends well beyond Reed-Turner Woodland.

Reed-Turner Woodland

The Reed-Turner Woodland Preserve is managed by the Long Grove Park District.

History

Reed-Turner Woodland is located along a deeply incised branch of Indian Creek. The preserve is a remnant of a presettlement prairie grove which once occurred along Indian and Killdeer Creeks, from the current village of Long Grove to Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Cook County.

Vegetation and Wildlife

All that remains today are small portions of floodplain and upland forest, and sparse remnants of savanna and prairie vegetation. Oaks and hickories dominate the upland areas while the floodplain contains black willow, green ash and black walnut. American elms were common along the stream, but they have been eliminated by Dutch elm disease. The site contains an interesting wet meadow which is dominated by sedges, rushes and a few wetland forbs such as meadow rue, marsh aster, and curly dock. Over 116 species of birds have been observed in the preserve including resident populations of waterfowl and herons. Many common woodland mammals also live in the area.

Florlegium

The Reed-Turner Botanical Artists are working on the Reed-Turner Woodland Florilegium - a collection of artwork showcasing the plants of a particular region.

Location

Located at 3849 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, Illinois. Google Map HERE.

ADA Accessibility

There is designated parking marked with a sign near the Nature Center. There is flagstone to the door of the Nature Center and a concrete entrance with a step and a double door. There is an ADA stall in the restroom inside the Nature Center. The building is only open for meetings or events. There are no restrooms outside the Nature Center.

Trails are open dawn to dusk, weather permitting.  Trails are well defined and most are covered in wood chips for walking. Trails have been describes as moderate and not ADA accessible. The trail has some inclines, boardwalks, and bridges. There are benches throughout the woodland.

The path around the Nature Center to the right is flagstone. This path leads to a trail behind of the Nature Center that starts with a staircase. The steps of the staircase are wide and long, made of a wood frame filled with finely packed stone. There is a handrail.

The trail starting from the left of the nature center is a wood chip/mud path that goes down into the preserve gradually. Review the trail map HERE.

Contact us if you need any further information.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources