Sugar River Alder

Sugar River Alder is a 537.8-acre tract of sandy soil which harbors unique habitats not found elsewhere in this region. Floodplain forest, oak savanna, restored and remnant prairie savanna, as well as upland forest support a diversity of plant animal species that can be found only in this spot.

Sand deposited by the wind after the last glaciation formed dunes and ridges along the Sugar River. The dunes and ridges were eventually stabilized by forest and prairie vegetation. The Sugar River is a migration route for birds; over 150 species have been banded at the bird-banding station in the adjacent Colored Sands Forest Preserve. Sugar River Alder’s unique geology, dolomite prairie with sandy soil, make it an ideal place to observe unusual reptiles and amphibians.

Sugar River Alder offers great hiking trails in one of the most quiet forest preserves and great views of wide open sky and sweeping unspoiled vistas.

Acres: 537.8
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Picnic Tables: Yes
Shelterhouses: No
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 4.9
Campground Sites: No
Boat Launch: No
Canoe Launch: No
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes
Special Facilities: No
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.