Aurora West Forest Preservation in the Aurora area is a 715-acre property. It contains many ecological spaces, like the marsh, prairie and woodlands. If you’re from Aurora or just visiting, this forest preserve provides the best wilderness and tranquil green areas Aurora is infamous for. If you’re an avid hiker, there are several walking/hiking groups that frequent the preserve.

Aurora West Forest Preservation is one of the few places where you can bring your dogs. There are designated off-leash areas for your four-legged friend to explore. One of the downsides of it being an off-leash area is that you will have to find your way to dispose of any waste. Also, it is essential to note that the site is not fenced, so if your dog is not used to being off-leash in ample open space, it is best to be vigilant. It would be best to keep your dogs on leash in areas other than the designated off-leash areas. Aggressive or uncontrollable dogs and dogs under six months of age are not allowed in the off-leash areas.

The environmental management has worked extensively on the upkeep of this preserve. They have established a stormwater retention project, recreated wetlands, reintroduced prairie plants and restored hydrology. The sustainable efforts cannot be kept up without help; thus, the preserve has an active volunteer program. The volunteer program offers several opportunities to get involved in habitat restoration.

The preserve also includes a model aircraft field. You can bring your model aeroplanes and drones to the designated area. Visitors can use the Hankes Road entrance near the forest preserve parking lot to get to the field. Participation in the field requires a license for model aircraft flying.

The forest preserve also has several bike and hiking trails. As mentioned before, this is an ideal space for an avid hiker. You will get to experience a splendid set of winding trails through light woods and rolling tundra. You can even get to see some deer bounding around and also could potentially have encounters with coyotes.

The Aurora West Forest Preserve has designated areas for fishing, provided you have the Illinois Fishing Licence. Hunting is prohibited outside of the districts’ deer management program. Moreover, the president’s permission is required to remove any item from the preserve. This is to promote the protection of plants and animals. The Aurora West Forest Preserve encapsulates the best of what Aurora has to offer.

Virgil Gilman Nature Trail
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