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Volo Bog State Natural Area
Welcome to Volo Bog State Natural Area located roughly 45 minutes northwest of Chicago in Lake County.
Preserve History: The first man to document the land known as Volo Bog was W.G. Waterman of Northwestern Illinois University in 1921. The land was originally named after it's owner, dairy farmer George Sayer. In 1958, the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy did a fund raising campaign with donations from school kids and local individuals in order to purchase the first 47 acres which were deeded to the University of Illinois which managed the land until 1970. In the late 1960's the bog was under threat from local real estate developers and local citizens formed the "Save the Volo Bog" committee and fought on it's behalf. The campaign was successful and the land was transferred to the State of Illinois and was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1970. In 1973, the U.S. Department of Interior designated Volo Bog as a Natural National Landmark and today it's 1,100+ acres help protect swamps and forests.
Flora and Fauna: Volo Bog is home to numerous species of plants and animals. Some of the preserve's plants include sphagnum moss, sedges, leatherleafs, winter berry hollies, and cattails. Some of the preserve's animals include deer, muskrats, foxes, weasels, and others. Please treat their home with respect.
Recreational opportunities at this preserve are relatively restricted and groups of 25 or more must register in advance. All pets must be leashed at all times. The preserve boasts nearly 3 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center. Come on out and explore.
To contact the park office please call 815-344-1294.
Location:
Volo Bog State Natural Area
28478 W. Brandenburg Road
Ingleside, Illinois 60041 United States
42.352328, -88.188457