Schurmeier Forest

JDCF Properties

Buehler Preserve

Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve

Keough Effigy Mound Land & Water Reserve

Schurmeier Teaching Forest

Wapello Land & Water Reserve

Property Tours

JDCF offers nature tours of JDCF-owned properties on a fee basis. For information about customizing a tour for your group, contact the JDCF office.

Property Update
Autumn 2008

This fall looked like a painting. The colors were brilliant and the smells of fall were intoxicating.

JDCF's annual fall forest walk was a success despite inclement weather. People of all ages and from many different locations come out to learn about the native trees and flowers and the delicate ecosystem at Schurmeier Teaching Forest.

This event is held annually as well as the spring wildflower walk. Dates for these exciting events will be posted soon for the 2009 season.

Schurmeier Teaching Forest

The original 52 acres of Schurmeier Teaching Forest was donated to the Foundation in 1994 by Jerry and Jon Schurmeier in memory of their parents. Adjacent landowners Richard and Margaret Woodruff donated an additional four acres to the forest in 1995.

Now at 56 acres, this rugged, hillside property is entirely wooded. Although the site was generally logged many years ago, in the deeper ravines it includes some awe inspiring old growth timber.

Teaching Forest

A teaching forest has been created on the eleven westernmost acres with the help of the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association and a grant from the Illinois Council on Forestry Development. To our knowledge, this is the only teaching forest in Illinois.

Hiking Trails

On the first quarter mile of the one-mile hiking trail, signs identify tree species and forestry practices. An informative guidebook gives more detailed description of identified items. There is also an approximate one-mile perimeter trail cleared for hiking and horseback riding.

Facilities

Thanks to an Illinois First grant and generous donations from the Schurmeier family and other members of the Foundation, a picnic pavilion and restroom have been built at the Forest.

Location

Schurmeier Teaching Forest is located on Reusch Road just east of Tower Road in Derinda Township.

Directions from Elizabeth, Illinois:

Take Myrtle Street south. Keep following it as it turns into Pleasant Hill, go to Reusch road, and make a left. Schurmeier Teaching Forest is just past the intersection of Reusch and Tower Roads.

Map (.pdf)

Image Gallery

Entry to Schurmeier Forest
A kiosk has been erected at the entrance to Schurmeier Teaching Forest.

A picnic pavilion and restroom have been built at the Forest.