Find the main entrance
Enter on the south side of Oldfield Road, also called 87th Street, a quarter-mile east of Lemont Road in Darien.
Places to Explore • Illinois
Great Horned Owls, green woodland paths, and small discoveries through the seasons.
Oldfield Oaks gave Brian plenty of reasons to pause: an owl resting among evergreen branches, a deer peering through summer leaves, a turtle above its reflection, and flowers along the trail. These photographs follow the preserve from leafy green corridors to snow-covered paths.
The owl portraits are a particular highlight of this collection. They document past encounters, rather than a guaranteed sighting or a guide to a current roost.
Woodland, wetland & prairie
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County describes Oldfield Oaks as 109 acres of mature oak woodland, natural wetland, and restored prairie. Removing invasive brush has helped sunlight reach the woodland floor, encouraging native vegetation. Bird counts and amphibian monitoring are part of conservation work here.
That variety comes through in Brian’s photographs: open meadow, shaded trail, reflective water, and dense cover for wildlife. Compare the green summer views with the snowy paths to see how much the same place can change.
Yellow eyes, prominent ear tufts, and intricate feather patterns make these portraits worth a closer look. The wider photographs also show how easily an owl can blend into branches and foliage. Enjoy owls quietly from a distance and leave resting birds undisturbed.
Encounters from Brian’s visits include a bright Northern Cardinal, a Mourning Dove, a perched hawk, small songbirds, White-tailed Deer, and a turtle resting over the water.
White wild quinine, purple flower spikes, pink blossoms, and late-season asters add another layer to the woodland and meadow views.
A moth against a green leaf, a curled fern, a butterfly, a winter egg case, and a weathered paper nest reward a slower look.
Follow the photographs from leafy summer shade to early autumn, snowy trails, reflective pools, and a rainbow above the trees. These views record past outings; trail conditions and vegetation change.
Before you go
Enter on the south side of Oldfield Road, also called 87th Street, a quarter-mile east of Lemont Road in Darien.
The district lists a 1.1-mile North Loop and 0.6-mile South Loop, with connecting paths. The map also labels them Oldfield Oaks and South Field trails. Expect some uphill and downhill walking. Bicycles and horses are not allowed.
Published hours are one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Check the official preserve page and posted notices before setting out.
Keep dogs leashed on preserve trails. The separate off-leash area has its own entrance on Cheese Road and requires a district permit.
Bring binoculars for distant wildlife and give yourself time to stop at the changes between woods, meadow, and water. Stay on established routes and leave plants and natural objects in place.