Nature Preserve Turner Lake Fen
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve is a unique ecosystem in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
It is one of the few remaining fens in the area, providing a home for rare plant and animal species. The preserve has several reasons to visit, such as its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, and photography.
One of the main points of interest in the Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve is the fen itself. It is a wetland that is fed by groundwater and is home to a variety of plants and animals found nowhere else in the region. The preserve also includes a restored prairie, which is home to many native species of grasses and wildflowers.
Interesting facts about the Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, recognizing the unique and rare ecosystem that it preserves. The preserve is also home to some rare species, such as the Blanding's turtle and the Henslow's sparrow.
The best time of year to visit the Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Visitors can enjoy the many hiking trails and observation areas that provide a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of the fen. Overall, the Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the state of Illinois.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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