Preservation

The 790-acre Forked Creek Preserve was acquired between 1974 and 2007.

The preserve is part of the Forked Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 2,400 acres of land.

Butcher Lane Access is one of two access areas to the preserve. The other access area is Forsythe Woods in Wilmington.

Natural Resources

Forked Creek Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, wetland, and a portion of Forked Creek.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of bird species, such as the spotted sandpiper, yellow-billed cuckoo, dickcissel, and ovenbird.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including redbud, Kentucky coffee tree, glade mallow, and smooth blue aster.

The site is managed with invasive species control and prescribed burning to protect and enhance its natural resources. Learn more about the District’s land management activities.

Amenities and Activities

Sledding

Butcher Lane Access features a natural hill ideal for sledding in the winter. The area is not supervised nor monitored for snow conditions. Learn more about sledding in the forest preserves.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock