Get Out There! Info to Know Before You Go:

Welcome to our world of wonder! We hope you'll find the time to visit all of our Natural Areas and Preserves. Each is different and magical in its own way. Some areas are more fragile than others – thus, a variety of names and visitation policies. We've labeled and color-coded the different areas in this guide to help you plan your outings. A "Natural Area" is open to the public during daylight hours. You'll find an information kiosk with a map, benches along the way in some cases and clearly marked trails. Our "Preserves" are slightly more restricted and are best seen on a guided tour. The following categories indicate the visitation status by color code of each area:

Open to the Public: Come see this property on your own year round, or join us on a guided tour led by our knowledgeable Docents.

Guided Tours Only: This indicates a Preserve is ecologically sensitive, so going with one of our Docents is the best way to experience it.

Critical Area: Some Preserves are better left undisturbed; they contain fragile plants, animals or landscape whose survival is threatened by the slightest human impact. Therefore, limited or no access is allowed.

Be a Good Steward: Please Respect These Special Places

Rules to Remember:

• Please stay on the trail.
• Do not collect plants or other materials.
• Do not litter.
• Do not erect structures.
• Keep pets on a leash.
• No camping.
• No fires.
• No bikes on trails.

Hunting is allowed at Kehl Lake and Houdek Dunes, with Conservancy permit only!

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To help you better understand the work we do, the Conservancy defines Natural Areas and Preserves as follows:

Natural Areas – Natural Areas are managed for biological and ecological integrity. Public use in encouraged where the Conservancy will provide resources to allow recreation with limited impacts on the land. Our management will make every feasible effort to maintain and/or restore native ecological communities, allowing reasonable human access while limiting negative human impacts.

Preserves – Preserves are managed primarily for biological diversity and ecological integrity. Limited use by the public is permitted for educational, scientific and demonstrative purposes. Our management will make every feasible effort to restore preserves to native ecological communities.