Braeburn Marsh Forest Preserve
Batavia, IL
Description
This highly visible and busy urbanizing location is part of an extensive wetland and drainage system on the western side of Batavia and Geneva. Braeburn Park is a joint ownership project between the Batavia Park District, Geneva Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve District. The 5.5 acres of open space has been developed with a basketball court, playground, mini-shelter, and pick up baseball field (operated by the park districts). In addition to the parking lot, off street parking is also provided at this site.
The remaining 44.5 acres are marsh and wet land. A raised walkway allows visitors to access this interesting part of the park/preserve.
Braeburn Marsh is a high-quality, restored wetland complex, about half open, shallow water and the other half a tapering mix of mudflat, rushes, reeds, low hummocks, scrub shrubs, willows and cottonwoods.
It is a stopover for many rare migrating bird species and a nesting site for Sandhill Cranes.
History
Today, the marsh serves the dual purpose of providing flood control and wildlife habitat. The marsh teems with migrating birds, ducks and geese. The District expects to continue working with the city to enhance the wetland and grassland communities here.