Nature Preserve Nelson Lake Marsh

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nature Preserve Nelson Lake Marsh is located in Batavia, Illinois, and is a 265-acre wetland preserve.


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Summary

The preserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers and visitors who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are many reasons to visit the Nature Preserve Nelson Lake Marsh. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, fish, and mammals. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife photography in the preserve.

Specific points of interest to see in the Nature Preserve Nelson Lake Marsh include the restored wetlands, the observation deck, and the floating boardwalk. Visitors can also explore the various trails that run through the preserve.

One interesting fact about the preserve is that it was created through a partnership between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and the City of Batavia. The restoration of the wetlands began in the late 1990s and was completed in 2006.

The best time of year to visit the Nature Preserve Nelson Lake Marsh is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is most active. Visitors should also check the preserve's website for any updates on trail closures and other important information.

       

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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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