St. James Forest Preserve is in Warrenville, Illinois. It covers 600 acres. You can walk on pretty trails, see animals, and learn old stories. I’m Douglas Baltes. I studied Marine Biology at the University of Tasmania. I worked five years to learn about nature. I help save places like forests and oceans. This article tells you about St. James. It has woods, fields, and wet areas. You’ll see deer and birds. You’ll also learn about the McCormick family who owned the land long ago.
Why Is St. James Special?
St. James is a big park in DuPage County. It has woods, fields, and wet areas. Over 300 kinds of plants and animals live here. Long ago, it was a farm. The McCormick family owned it. They made machines to help farmers. Now, it’s a place for everyone to enjoy.
You can walk, bike, or ride horses on trails. A creek called Spring Brook runs through it. People fixed the creek to help nature. You can see old farm buildings and a special place called the Horse and Hound Cemetery. St. James mixes nature and history.
The Nature of St. James
Woods: A Home for Trees and Birds
The woods at St. James have many trees. They are tall and shady. You see oak, maple, and hickory trees. Birds like woodpeckers live here. Their red heads are easy to spot. The woods are calm and cool. They are nice for walking. In spring, flowers grow under trees. In fall, leaves turn red and yellow. The woods cover a big part of the 600 acres. They give animals homes and clean the air.
Fields: Big Open Spaces
The fields have tall grasses. They move like waves in the wind. Some grasses are taller than you! Flowers like coneflowers grow here. They bring bees and butterflies. Fields help the earth. Their roots keep dirt from washing away. You can walk in the fields and feel the sun. It’s a happy place to explore.
Wet Areas: Water and Animals
Wet areas have water and mud. They are near Spring Brook. These areas clean water before it goes to rivers. Animals like big blue herons live here. They stand still and catch fish. Frogs jump in the water too. People fixed Spring Brook to help nature. They made the water flow better. This keeps plants and animals happy. My work with nature groups taught me why this matters.
Animals at St. James
St. James has lots of animals. Over 300 kinds live here. You can see them on trails. Here are some animals you might find:
- Big Blue Herons: These birds are tall. They stand by water and catch fish.
- Deer: Deer are shy. You might see them in the morning or evening.
- Woodpeckers: They tap on trees. Look for their red heads.
- Coyotes: You might hear them at night. They hide in the woods.
- Squirrels: These squirrels climb trees. They have big, fluffy tails.
To see animals, walk quietly. Bring binoculars to look closer. Morning or evening is best. Animals are busy then. I learned from saving nature to watch animals without scaring them. Stay on trails to keep their homes safe.
Trails at St. James
St. James has many trails. They go through woods, fields, and wet areas. Most are easy. Some are for bikes or horses. Here are the main trails:
Main Loop Trail
The Main Loop Trail is 4.8 miles. It’s made of gravel and flat. You can walk or bike. It goes over bridges and through a tunnel of trees. One gate looks like it’s from a fairy tale. It takes about 90 minutes to walk. It’s good for kids or new hikers.
Grass Paths
The grass paths are old. They were for horses. Some have jumps from old horse shows. They are 3.4 miles long. They go through fields and woods. The ground is soft but can be muddy. Wear strong shoes.
Mack Road Trail
This trail is short. It’s only 0.5 miles. It’s made of limestone. You can walk or bike to Cantigny Park. It’s a fast way to see both places.
Wear comfy shoes for trails. Bring water in summer. Check the weather. Trails can be muddy after rain. My nature work taught me to stay on trails to protect plants and animals.
The History of St. James
The McCormick Family
St. James was a farm long ago. Chauncey McCormick bought 203 acres in 1920. He was part of a family that made a machine called the reaper. It helped farmers cut crops fast. The family started a big company called International Harvester.
Chauncey loved horses. He built a big stable and held horse shows. His son, Brooks, took over. Brooks gave the land to DuPage County in 2000. He wanted people to enjoy it. It became a forest preserve in 2007.
Old Buildings
The preserve has old farm buildings. There’s a wooden barn from the 1890s. A farmhouse has a special roof. The stable is made of red brick. It looks fancy. These buildings show how people lived before. Some are being fixed for visitors.
Horse and Hound Cemetery
There’s a small cemetery for horses and dogs. It’s called the Horse and Hound Cemetery. The McCormick family buried their animals there. It shows they loved their pets. You can walk to it on the grass paths.
The history makes St. James special. It’s not just a park. It tells stories of farming and horses. My work with nature groups helps me see why saving history matters.
Tips for Your Visit
St. James is open to all. Here are tips to have fun:
- Best Times: Go in spring (March–May) for flowers. Fall (September–October) has pretty leaves. Summer is warm but busy. Winter is good for skiing.
- For Kids: The Main Loop Trail is easy for kids. Look for fun events like hayrides on the DuPage Forest website. The picnic area has tables and space to play.
- For Photos: Take pictures at sunrise or sunset. The fairy-tale gate and tree tunnel are nice spots. The Horse and Hound Cemetery is special for photos.
- For Wheelchairs: The Main Loop Trail is flat and good for wheelchairs. Grass paths can be bumpy. Ask preserve staff for help. There are toilets and parking near trails.
- For Pets: Dogs can come but need a leash. Bring water for your dog. Don’t let them drink from ponds.
Check the DuPage Forest District website for events or trail news. Bring a map or use an app like AllTrails. My nature work taught me to visit early to see more animals.
Why St. James Helps Nature
St. James does more than look pretty. It helps the earth. The wet areas clean water for rivers. The fields keep dirt from washing away. The woods give animals homes. People fixed Spring Brook to help water flow. They added wet areas to keep plants and animals healthy. The preserve has over 300 kinds of plants. These plants help bees and butterflies. They clean the air too. By keeping the land safe, St. James helps the planet. My work with groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society shows me why this is important.
Final Thoughts
St. James Forest Preserve is a wonderful place. Its 600 acres have pretty trails, animals, and history. You can walk through woods, see deer, or learn about the McCormick family. The preserve helps nature by protecting plants and animals. Whether you like walking, biking, or taking photos, St. James is for you. Visit soon to see its beauty. Check the DuPage Forest District website for more details.
Disclaimer: The information in this article about St. James Forest Preserve is for educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data and personal expertise. While we strive for accuracy, details like trail conditions, wildlife sightings, or event schedules may change. Always check with the DuPage Forest District or official sources for the latest information before visiting. The author, Douglas Baltes, is not liable for any decisions made based on this content. Stay on marked trails and follow preserve rules to protect the environment and ensure safety.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
