Wildwood Nature Preserve

Wildwood Nature Preserve 20-acre wooded nature preserve in with a diverse ecosystem of native Illinois plantlife in Auburn, IL.

Golden hour is special out here.
04/27/2026

Golden hour is special out here.

Part 2 in our Green Floor series đź’š
04/24/2026

Part 2 in our Green Floor series đź’š

These days, our native understory looks mostly green. But don’t be fooled, the biodiversity of these woods is ever on di...
04/23/2026

These days, our native understory looks mostly green. But don’t be fooled, the biodiversity of these woods is ever on display. This is part 1 in our Green Floor series 💚

Keep an eye out for Mayapple flowers blooming underneath their wide leaves!
04/22/2026

Keep an eye out for Mayapple flowers blooming underneath their wide leaves!

Did you know the presence of merrybells is often a sign of a healthy, undisturbed woodland?Merrybells—also known as larg...
04/13/2026

Did you know the presence of merrybells is often a sign of a healthy, undisturbed woodland?

Merrybells—also known as large-flowered bellwort—thrives in rich, native forests that have remained largely untouched over time. Because this plant spreads slowly and depends on stable soil and shade conditions, it is rarely found in areas that have been heavily disturbed or cleared. Seeing large patches of merrybells, like those found in our preserve, is a strong indication that this woodland has deep native roots and long-term ecological stability.

In early spring, merrybells brighten the forest floor with their nodding yellow flowers, providing an important early-season resource for pollinators. Their abundance here is a reminder of the value of protecting and preserving native habitats.

When you see merrybells, you’re seeing a sign of a woodland that has stood the test of time.

Like many native woodland wildflowers, wild geranium grows slowly, spending its early years developing strong roots bene...
04/13/2026

Like many native woodland wildflowers, wild geranium grows slowly, spending its early years developing strong roots beneath the forest floor before producing its first flowers. Each bloom you see today represents years of quiet growth in a healthy woodland.

Because these plants take years to mature, protecting their habitat helps ensure future generations can enjoy their blooms. So again we ask, when visiting WNP, take only photos—leave the flowers for others to discover and for busy pollinators to enjoy!

Bottoms up!
04/10/2026

Bottoms up!

Did you know a purple trillium can take 7–10 years to bloom from seed?This native woodland wildflower grows at an incred...
03/29/2026

Did you know a purple trillium can take 7–10 years to bloom from seed?

This native woodland wildflower grows at an incredibly slow pace, spending years developing underground before producing its first three leaves—and eventually, its signature deep maroon flower. Because of this long life cycle, each plant you see represents nearly a decade of growth in a stable, undisturbed forest.

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14715 Bab Road
Auburn, IL
62615

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