www.outdoors.chicago.il.us >> The Unofficial Cook County Forest Preserve District Page >> Nature Centers >>

In the extreme northwest corner of Cook County on rolling, glacier-formed landscape is the newest of the Forest Preserve nature centers, more than a thousand acres set aside for educational purposes.

Before 1830 this land was clothed in forest, prairie and marsh, but after that date mankind brought much change to the countryside. Prairies were plowed to grow crops; timber cut for fuel and building material; marshes drained for farming or dredged to make lakes. Since its purchase in the mid-1960's by the Forest Preserve District, Crabtree has been slowly returning to us natural state - through both the natural process of plant succession and Forest Preserve management.

Thousands of ducks and geese occur in spring and fall on Crabtree Lake. Spring wildflowers carpet the forested areas, as do summer and autumn blossoms in the meadows and prairies.

A spacious exhibit building and several miles of self-guiding, educational trails enable you to enjoy the wildlife and native plants and to learn of the vital relationships in nature which allow ALL OF US to survive on this earth of ours.

PLEASE

So that the natural and educational atmosphere of the Nature Center will be preserved, all visitors are expected to observe the following:

1. Collection or removal of ANY natural objects is never permitted.
2. Stay on surfaced walks and designated trails.
3. QUIET is essential in the exhibit building and on the trails to avoid disturbing wildlife and other visitors. Use of portable radios or musical instruments cannot be permitted.
4. Please leave your pets at home as none will be permitted outside the car.
5. Deposit all waste material in proper trash containers, NEVER on the ground.

Visits by groups are encouraged. Making a reservation by calling the Crabtree Nature Center is necessary to insure your group's prompt orientation by the naturalist and admittance to exhibit facilities. Click here to see the official Crabtree Nature Center page at fpdcc.com for the most current information!

Picnic facilities are available at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, 2 1/2 miles east on Dundee Road (Route 68). Sorry, NO PICNICKING AT THE NATURE CENTER. Groups will find ample parking for cars and buses. No Concession stands are available. For general information, call the Conservation Department.