Clayton F Smith Woods Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clayton F Smith Woods Preserve is a 305-acre natural area located in Cook County, Illinois, known for its diverse flora and fauna, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.


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Summary

The preserve features mature oak trees, prairies, ephemeral ponds, wetlands, and streams, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, and various bird species.

Visitors can explore the preserve on foot or bike along its 3.5 miles of trails, which offer opportunities for birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and nature photography. The preserve is also home to a picnic shelter, a playground, and a fishing pond, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of the notable points of interest within the preserve include the wetlands boardwalk, which allows visitors to observe aquatic wildlife up close, and the historic oak savanna, which contains some of the oldest trees in the area. Additionally, the preserve hosts several annual events, such as birding walks, seasonal nature hikes, and educational programs for children.

One interesting fact about Clayton F Smith Woods Preserve is that it was named after Clayton F. Smith, a prominent Chicago businessman and conservationist who donated the land to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County in the 1960s. Another interesting fact is that the preserve is home to over 40 species of wildflowers, including prairie clover, wild indigo, and butterfly weed.

The best time of year to visit Clayton F Smith Woods Preserve depends on personal preference and interests. Spring is a great time to see wildflowers in bloom, while summer offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Fall is the best time to see the changing colors of the leaves, and winter provides a unique experience for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

       

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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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