IDNR in northeastern Illinois is lucky to have sites supported by Friends groups - Friends of Moraine Hills State Park and Friends of Volo Bog. Both are 501(c)(3) membership organizations.

The purpose of both Friends groups is to promote citizen awareness of the local natural heritage of the sites and to help care for and preserve them through supporting special events, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, educational and training programs.

IDNR & Friends at Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry Dam and Volo Bog State Natural Area

From the top of this hill we can observe the marsh moat around Volo Bog as well as the tall shrub zone and the tamarack zone of the bog itself. Watch as the tamaracks turn golden around Halloween, drop their needles in November, then get covered in snow for the winter. Spring will green them up again and they will wear the verdant cloak of green through summer until they turn golden again in the fall. When the leaves are off the trees, a landfill can be seen as the backdrop of this Illinois Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark. 

Volo Bog Overlook

From the top of this hill, enjoy the seasonal progression of prairie flowers and watch the lake in its many moods. The sky adds its own dimension as it reflects upon the water. Note the changing spot where the sun sets over the far side of the lake.

Lake Defiance - Oak Opening Terrace Overlook

The Eye of Volo Bog is surrounded by concentric, floating vegetation zones. The first zone, the Herb Mat, is the thinnest and only supports light-weight plants like sedges and ferns. As the mat thickens, it supports small shrubs of the Low Shrub Zone then gets thicker still with trees defining the third floating zone, the Tamarack Zone. Each zone is making its way inward and will eventually overtake the eye. For now, Volo Bog is the only open-water quaking bog to remain in Illinois.

Eye of Volo Bog

Named for the state endangered black tern that has been know to nest here, this now busy location remains home to sandhill cranes, mallard ducks, muskrats, and several species of turtles. The amount of open water varies from year to year, season to season, and determines which wildlife will feel most at home. 

IDNR & Friends at Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry Dam and Volo Bog State Natural Area

About IDNR & Friends at Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry Dam and Volo Bog State Natural Area

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