Arlene Shoemaker Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Arlene Shoemaker Preserve is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

It is situated in the heart of the Fox Valley and covers 135 acres of land, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Illinois' natural landscape, with scenic trails, wetlands, and woodlands to explore.

One of the main reasons to visit the Arlene Shoemaker Preserve is to enjoy its natural beauty. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife watching and birding. Visitors can also take a hike on one of the many trails that wind through the preserve, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at the Arlene Shoemaker Preserve include the wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The preserve also features a stream and pond, which provide a habitat for a variety of aquatic species. Visitors can enjoy watching waterfowl, turtles, fish, and other aquatic species in their natural habitats.

One interesting fact about the Arlene Shoemaker Preserve is that it was named after a local conservationist who worked tirelessly to protect Illinois' natural areas. Arlene Shoemaker was a dedicated advocate for conservation and played an instrumental role in preserving many of the state's natural areas.

The best time of year to visit the Arlene Shoemaker Preserve is in the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the natural landscape is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing during these months, as well as picnicking and other outdoor activities. Overall, the Arlene Shoemaker Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the beauty of Illinois' natural landscape.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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