Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
3
County
Cook
Location
The reserve is in south Cook County in Rich Township. It is near the municipalities of Tinley Park, Matteson, and County Club Hills, one mile west of I-57.
Description
The entire Vollmer Road Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site (INAI #1385) is included within the boundaries of Bartel Grassland Land and Water Reserve. Much of the natural areas are currently in transition from cool-season, non-native grassland to native prairie. The reserve provides habitat for several grassland-dependent bird species, including a state endangered species. Grassland birds are one of the fastest declining groups of birds in North America. Habitat loss and degradation are the main factors influencing their population decline. Bartel Grassland is a statewide significant bird habitat that has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area.
Ownership
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Natural Division
Morainal Section of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division (#3a)
Registered
September 2003
Size
585 acres
Access
The site is open to the public, and it is frequented by mostly bird watchers and volunteer stewards. The parking lot is located on the northeast corner of the site and a minimally developed foot path on the site’s perimeter.
Topographic Quad
Tinley Park
For Further Information
Visit the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Website or Contact the INPC
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov