Mellody Farm Nature Preserve

As the headquarters for Lake Forest Open Lands, Mellody Farm serves as the natural hub for everything within the organization. Join Lake Forest Open Lands here not only for the splendor of nature walks but also for many of their programs, volunteer opportunities, and family-oriented celebrations.

Mellody Farm Nature Preserve has integrated the service of all-terrain wheelchairs for trail accessibility throughout the reservation. This accessibility feature is obtained through a cost-free reservation system.

For years at Mellody Farm, an inconspicuous wetland lay tucked away in the eastern part of the preserve. After the spring rains each year, chorus frogs were attracted to its fishless water to breed and lay their eggs. But the ephemeral pool would dry up before the chorus frogs could complete their metamorphosis from tadpole to adult. In 2005 this wetland underwent a major restoration: it has been expanded and made deeper, and several limestone perching rocks have been installed. Native species have been planted, including swamp white oaks, sedges and over fifteen different kinds of flowering plants.