The preserve features rolling landscape of scenic woodlands, wetlands and wide-open fields, all creating exceptional wildlife habitat. Considered a birdwatcher's paradise, more than 116 species of birds have been observed here, including a resident population of waterfowl and herons--the site's namesake. Six state endangered bird species, black tern, black-crowned night heron, yellow-crowned night heron, osprey, Forster's tern, and three state threatened bird species, brown creeper, pied-billed grebe and red-shouldered hawk have been found in the area.
With its gently rolling contours and hilltops, Heron Creek contains the south branch of Indian Creek which offers exceptional wildlife habitat and plant communities including a sedge meadow. The creek traverses the property west to east, exiting in the southeast corner where the site adjoins the Reed Turner Nature Preserve.
Where their borders meet, Heron Creek and Reed Turner Nature Preserve share some of the same natural elements including similar plant species, great horned owls nesting in the oaks at the top of a ridge and a habitat for many different bird species. This area of the site also contains mature oak/hickory forest species.