Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve
Aurora, IL
Description
Named in honor of past Forest Preserve District President Arlene Shoemaker, this preserve provides a forested respite in the midst of urban Aurora. The Aurora Branch of the Illinois Prairie Path runs along the northern border of the preserve, serving as a link between Kane and DuPage counties.
This forest preserve is one of the few bastions of the woodland community known as flatwoods. In this specialized woodland, clay soil creates an impermeable layer that holds rainwater in wet seasons, yet is dry the remainder of the year. Tree species such as Swamp White Oak thrive in these conditions where soils are heavily saturated or seasonally flood. Herbaceous plants that can tolerate both very wet and very dry conditions grow here, also. This area is a haven for birds and other wildlife.
Amenities
- ADA Accessible Trails
- Biking
- Hiking
- Parking Lot
- Trails - Asphalt
- Trails - Limestone
History
Between 1998 and 2000, 95 acres were purchased from five owners. In 2004, 21 additional acres were added from nearby subdivision holdings.
An Urban Ecology Field Station (UEFS) at Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve is anticipated. The proposed field station at was included as a key project for the 2024 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum. Urban ecology refers to the study of how living things — humans, plants and animals — interact with each other and their surroundings in metropolitan areas. The new nature center will be a space that offers indoor and outdoor educational experiences focused on urban ecology, urban wildlife, native plant communities, sustainable food cultivation, and climate resiliency and more.