Crabtree Nature Center

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 its natural state — through both the natural process of plant succession and Forest Preserve management.

Crabtree is popular for birding. A total of 263 bird species have been observed and at least 89 species have been recorded to breed on the property. Numerous 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.

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. Telephone: (847) 381-6592.

Picnic facilities are available at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, 2 1/2 miles east on Dundee Road (Route 68); Shoe Factory Road Woods on Route 59; and Barrington Road Pond on Barrington Road. 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 Resource Management Department at (708) 771-1330; 1 (800) 870-3666; TDD# (708) 771-1190.

Location:

Crabtree Nature Center
3 Stover Road
Barrington, IL 60010

Entrance is on Palatine Rd., one mile west of Barrington Rd., or one-half mile east of Algonquin Rd. (Route 62), Barrington.

(847) 381-6592

Nature Center Hours

March — October

Parking lot and trails:
Weekdays: Monday — Friday
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays: 8:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Buildings:
Weekdays: Monday — Thursday, CLOSED FRIDAYS
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Weekends: 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

November — February

Parking lot and trails:
Weekdays: Every day
8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Exhibit Buildings:
Weekdays: Sunday — Thursday, CLOSED FRIDAYS
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Nature Center Guidelines

Please:

• Schedule group visits in advance by calling the nature center. Scheduled group visits will include an introductory talk with a naturalist, including time for questions. Other programs may sometimes be arranged; call nature center for details.
  
• Stay on trails - bicycles, horses, motorized vehicles, skates, roller blades, and cross country skiing are not permitted.
  
• Picnic in designated picnic groves only; picnicking is not permitted on nature center grounds. No food or drinks allowed.
  
• Leave your pet at home; pets disturb wildlife and other visitors.
  
• Respect wildlife and other visitors by maintaining quiet in buildings and on trails.
  
  

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