A stewardship plan has been completed
and a kiosk erected at the entrance to Schurmeier Forest.
Additionally, a teaching forest has been created on the 11
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 in existence. 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.
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.
To reach Schurmeier Forest, from
downtown Elizabeth, Illinois, take Myrtle Street south. keep
following it as it turns into Pleasant Hill and go to Reusch road
and make a left. Schurmeier Forest is just past the
intersection of Reusch and Tower Roads. |
Located on Reusch Road just east of
Tower Road in Derinda Township this 56 acres of rugged hillside is
entirely wooded. It was generally logged many years ago but in the
deeper ravines it includes some awe inspiring old growth
timber.