Oenslager Nature Center at Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary
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6100 Ridge Road GPS Coordinates |
| TRAILS | |
| Download Trail Map | |
| Pine Forest Loop (.83 mile – natural – moderate – pink oval) | |
| Hardwood Forest Loop (.55 mile – natural – moderate – yellow square) | |
| Wetland Loop (.46 mile – natural – moderate – red pentagon) | |
| Paved Trail (.38 mile – easy – paved – teal rectangle) | |
| Inner Field Loop (1 mile – natural – moderate – orange diamond) | |
| Outer Field Loop Trail (1.5 miles – natural – moderate – blue hexagon) |
| PARK ACREAGE |
| 248.10 acres |
| BODIES OF WATER |
| .5-acre ponds (2) |
| 3.5-acre pond |
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Nature Center Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. As of July 1, 2023, hiking trails will be open from 6 a.m. to one hour past sunset.There is a port-a-potty in the parking lot for use by visitors when the nature center is closed. Please note: Holidays: The nature center is closed on these dates: Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. |
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The 248-acre Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the park district’s Oenslager Nature Center. The site is named after Ruth and George Oenslager, who donated the original 103 acres with the provision that the land be used for environmental education in its use as a public park. An additional adjacent 145 acres were acquired in 1999. The nature center opened in October of 2000 and has the feeling of a comfortable rambling farmhouse with its natural wood interior, back porch, and inviting stone fireplace. Its educational spaces include a large gathering room, a laboratory, a library, and a classroom. But you don’t have to be an elementary school student to experience the beauty and diversity of nature at Oenslager Nature Center. The center seeks to meet the needs of all user groups – general public, schools, and community groups. Access to nature displays, temporary exhibits, educational programs, an indoor bird-watching area, and the education staff is available year-round. Hiking is encouraged as there are several must-sees on a visit here. More than four miles of trails take you through an amazing array of landscapes -- including mature forest, wetlands, meadow, and prairie. The enchanting tall pine forest is one of the unforgettable experiences to be found in the park district. To step inside is like entering a fragrant green cave – sheltered, shaded, and quiet. The wetlands area offers an extensive boardwalk that zigzags over the water, making visitors feel like they are walking on its surface like water bugs. An accomplished amateur painter, Ruth Oenslager would be pleased to find that Oenslager Nature Center plays host to arts programs throughout the year. In addition to providing a site for art classes and workshops, it is home to the park district’s popular Nature Art Fest event. Step into the classroom at Oenslager Nature Center, and you will enjoy a rotating display from the portfolios of members of Photographers of the Parks. It’s a club of nature photo enthusiasts who share a common passion for photography and for the parks. New members of all skill levels are welcome. Since this site is a wildlife sanctuary, the park district seeks to minimize disturbance to the natural communities. For that reason, pets, fishing, biking, and picnicking are not permitted. Oenslager Nature Center and Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary Activities/Amenities
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