Raven Glen

The most prominent natural features of Raven Glen are Timber Lake, which is a glacial lake, Hastings Creek, scattered wetlands and rolling terrain with oak and hickory groves.

With a sandy base, Timber Lake supports the population of rare Iowa darter fish. Fishing is allowed at Timber Lake, but not at White Slough. While the Forest Preserve owns 95 percent of Timber Lake, the northern portion of the lake is privately owned and not accessible for public use.

Ongoing restoration of Raven Glen's savanna, prairie, wetlands and streams enhances the water quality of Timber Lake. It also improves habitat for wildlife, including grassland bird species like the eastern meadowlark and bobolink, and wetland birds such as great blue herons, egrets and other waterfowl.

The northern portion of the site was formerly a campground and contains Timber Lake, two smaller connected ponds, wetlands, and an oak-hickory grove. There are also several woodland areas near Timber Lake and interspersed throughout the wetland areas along the parcel’s northern border.

The southern portion of the site was a dairy farm consisting mostly of rolling cropland, a farmstead and a stream. Prior to 1998, Raven Glen Farm was used for dairy operations and houses several buildings that were once considered state-of-the-art for dairy production during the 1950s and 1960s.

The preserve was acquired in various stages with funds from voter-approved referenda. A $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was received for the development of the trails, parking areas and fishing piers.

The preserve's main entrance is on Route 45 south of Route 173 and north of Miller Road.

A second entrance with parking and trail access is located on Route 173 just west of Route 45. Please note: this trail section does not connect to the main preserve.