The Dayton Bluffs Preserve was purchased by The Conservation Foundation in July 2013 with generous funding support from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, the Grand Victoria Foundation and the Hamill Family Foundation. The preserve is operated by the City of Ottawa through a long-term lease to allow public use of trails and other future amenities. The Conservation Foundation is overse
eing ecological restoration of the site, much of this work is being done by the Friends of Dayton Bluffs Preserve volunteer group. The Dayton Bluffs is open 365 days per year from dawn to dusk.
2. I have seen the marvelous work Dayton Bluffs Preserve volunteers have done. We have a very proud and dedicated group of volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome to join our conservation effort and can join our monthly workdays, at 8 AM on the second Saturday of the month at the Dayton Bluffs Parking lot. For information about volunteering contact The Conservation Foundation's Volunteer Coordinator, Cassie Hatzfeld at [email protected] or visit https://www.theconservationfoundation.org/get-involved/volunteer/ to get started right away by filling out a Volunteer Application.
3. Are dogs allowed at the Dayton Bluffs? Dogs are welcome at the Dayton Bluffs. Dogs must be kept on leash AT ALL TIMES.
4. Why is it important to keep my dog be kept on leash? Dayton Bluffs is a nature preserve certified by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. It is home to wildlife (including deer, turkeys, beaver, possum, minks), and their safety is paramount. Also out of respect to other hikers, dogs must remain on leash. Dayton Bluffs is also a City of Ottawa park, and city park rules require that dogs be on leash. Finally, Dayton Bluffs is home to fox and coyote and an unleashed dog was lost at the Preserve in 2020.
5. Are horses or bicycles allowed at the Dayton Bluffs trails? The nature of our trail surfaces limits their use to hikers on foot.
6. Can artifacts or plants be removed from the preserve? Dayton Bluffs is a nature preserve and nothing may be removed, be it plant, animal, or historic artifact.
7. Dayton Bluffs is a nature preserve and nothing at the preserve may be disrupted. Hikers should stick to the trails for safety of plants, animals, and the hikers themselves.
8. Is overnight camping allowed? Camping and campfires are prohibited.
9. I have seen brush pile fires and heard about prairie fires at the Dayton Bluffs. Why is this? One of the largest tasks in conservation is removal of invasive species. For over five years, a large quantity of honeysuckle and buckthorn have been removed by cutting and burning. Prescribed fire in the prairie and woodlands is also necessary component in the maintenance of native plants.
10. Why do you sometimes cut down trees? The original Illinois woodland were oak-hickory. Over time, the woodlands have become forests, choked with many non-native trees including Osage orange, black locust, and maple trees.
11. How can I report something I lost at the Preserve? If you lost something, please email The Conservation Foundation's Volunteer Coordinator, Cassie Hatzfeld at [email protected]. We will do our best to help you find your lost item. When hiking, remember to change your cell phone beforehand and keep the ringer on with the volume on high. If you accidentally drop it, this can help you locate it. Plan to leave all valuables and accessories at home.
12. Where can I find out more about The Conservation Foundation and Dayton Bluffs Preserve? Visit The Conservation Foundation's website at www.theconservationfoundation.org or go directly to the Dayton Bluffs info on the website at https://www.theconservationfoundation.org/about-us/dayton-bluffs/
