Preservation

The 839-acre Lake Renwick Preserve was acquired between 1989 and 2010.

The preserve is part of the Lily Cache Creek preservation system, which conserves approximately 1,000 acres of land.

A 149-acre portion of the site was registered as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2003. This registration provides permanent protection for the natural resources at the preserve.

Turtle Lake Access is one of three access areas to the preserve. The other access areas are Copley Nature Park and the Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, both in Plainfield.

Natural Resources

Lake Renwick Preserve protects a 200-acre lake with associated wetland habitat.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of bird species, such as the great blue heron and great egret. Structures have been built on islands within the lake to provide nesting opportunities for the birds.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including prairie sundrops and rattlesnake master.

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

Download the Lake Renwick Preserve Brochure to learn more about the site’s unique resources.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Turtle Lake Access provides access to the 3.35-mile, paved Lake Renwick Bikeway, ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Fishing

Turtle Lake Access offers access to shoreline fishing in designated areas of Turtle and Budde Lakes. Catch and release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Type of Fish	Daily Limit	Minimum Size
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish*	15	None
Channel Catfish	3	None
Large or Smallmouth Bass*	1	18 inches or larger

*The daily limit applies to the combination of these fish species. Anglers may take up to 15 bluegill or redear sunfish, not 15 of each, and anglers may take one largemouth bass or one smallmouth bass, not both.

Additional statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about fishing in the forest preserves.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at Turtle Lake Access. Learn more about geocaching permits.

Download a map of the amenities at Lake Renwick Preserve.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock