Walks with a Naturalist at Volo Bog State Natural Area on Wednesdays                

10:00 am – 12:00 pm      Meet your naturalist in front of the Visitor Center         

*Discovering Deerpath & Prairie Ridge Trails:

Seldom-travelled, Deerpath and Prairie Ridge Trails are across Brandenburg Road, traversing shrubland, transitional woods and prairie restoration areas. Discover some unique vegetation such as wafer ash, honey locust and hog peanut. A distant view of tamaracks in Pistakee Bog are a highlight.

 

*Trekking Tamarack View Trail: 

Named for Volo Bog’s hallmark tamarack trees seen off in the distance, TVT loops around the outer periphery of the bog through a variety of habitats including woodland, prairie, marsh, and even a small stream. 

 

*Volo Bog’s Golden Tamaracks Walks: 

Venture into the heart of Volo Bog just as the Tamarack Trees reach their peak of golden glory! These deciduous conifers lose their needles each year but first give us a spectacular show.

All ages are welcome.  Registration is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov   Group size is limited - Walk-ins welcome if space allows but walk may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior. Please dress for the weather with comfortable hiking shoes and a broad-brimmed hat. Bring (but do not pre-apply) insect repellent.

 

 

Walks with a Naturalist at Moraine Hills State Park/McHenry Dam on Thursdays            

10:00 am –12:00 pm   Meet your naturalist at locations noted.

​​

*Whitetail Prairie – Hiking the grassy Nature Trail for a leisurely 1.5 miles: 

*Oak Opening – Lake Defiance Trail 3.7 miles so we’ll be getting our exercise!:

*McHenry Dam – Fox River Trail; meet by trail head at south end of parking for 2.0 miles:

*Northern Woods – We’ll do a turn-around hike for only 1.5 miles: 

*Pike Marsh for a leisurely 1.5 mile turn-around hike:

​

Your naturalist will lead a discovery of the natural world around us as we wander along the trails practicing our observation skills and learning about the amazing biodiversity in our park. All ages are welcome!  Registration is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov  Group size is limited - Walk-ins welcome if space allows but walk may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior. Please dress for the weather with comfortable hiking shoes and a broad-brimmed hat. Bring (but do not pre-apply) insect repellent.