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Volo Bog State Natural Area

 

Celebrating 50 Years

As a part of its 50th anniversary celebrations The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is proud to feature places around the state that were protected by the organization and its partners.

Many of these places are now owned and managed other organizations and agencies, each of whom plays an important role in the continued health of Illinois' most important natural areas.

 

 

Explore Your State

Illinois Projects

Nachusa Grasslands

Indian Boundary Prairies

Kankakee Sands

Emiquon

Spunky Bottoms

The Mackinaw River

The Illinois Ozarks

The Cache River

Beyond Illinois

The Great Lakes

The Great Rivers Partnership

 

 

Introduction
One of the first stories of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois begins five decades ago at a place in Lake County once known as Sayer Bog. Back then, Sayer Bog was a land of quaking earth, tamarack forests and dark, mysterious waters. Surrounded by sparsely populated lands, it was the only quaking bog of its type in the whole of Illinois. It was a land rich in ferns and blessed with orchids.

Today, 50 years on, Chicago suburbs have overtaken the open lands of Lake County, but Sayer Bog, now called Volo Bog, is still a land of quaking earth, tamarack forests and dark mysterious waters, and it is still the only bog of its type with an open water center in all of Illinois. It was saved by The Nature Conservancy and by the pennies of school children and the combined efforts and resources of dedicated conservationists and concerned citizens.

Natural History
In addition to the only bog with an open-water center surviving in Illinois, the Volo Bog State Natural Area also harbors many unique plants and animals, including sphagnum moss and a striking tamarack forest. This area is an important migratory stopover for songbirds, waterfowl and wading birds, including green-backed herons, cross-bills and sandhill cranes. Volo Bog also shelters a variety of orchids, such as delicate grass pink and rose pogonia.

Today
Currently owned and managed the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as Volo Bog State Natural Area, the preserve now encompasses approximately 1,150 acres that include the open-water bog, marshes, prairie restorations and woodlands. Volo Bog was dedicated as National Natural Landmark in 1973. 

Links
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Chicago Wilderness Magazine
Pictures of Volo Bog