Preservation

The 38-acre Vermont Cemetery Preserve was acquired between 1998 and 2012.

The preserve is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which conserves more than 1,500 acres of land.

Prior to the District’s acquisition of the land, it was a cemetery for early settlers of Wheatland Township.

A one-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1999. This dedication provides permanent protection for the natural resources at the preserve.

Natural Resources

Vermont Cemetery Preserve protects prairie habitat.

The portion of the preserve containing a historic cemetery protects a small prairie remnant with a long history of scientific studies and preservation.

The preserve is home to the federally threatened and state-endangered Mead’s milkweed.

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

Amenities and Activities

Vermont Cemetery Preserve is currently under development and will not be open to the public until construction is complete. For more information on the planned amenities, visit the preserve's Land Preservation and Improvement Projects page.