Theodore Marsh
Location
Theodore Marsh is located on Gaylord Road, north of Theodore Street, in Crest Hill.
Hours
Sunrise-sunset
Trails
Rock Run Greenway Trail
Theodore Marsh Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Theodore Marsh offers a mix of prairie, wetland and woodland habitats that have been carefully restored to support a wide range of species. With strong trail connections and abundant birdlife, the 292-acre preserve provides both recreation and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Planning your visit
Theodore Marsh is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Picnicking: Gaylord Road Access Shelter accommodates up to 60 people and is available for rental.
- Playground: A playground is available at the preserve.
- Trails: Theodore Marsh provides access to the 11.29-mile paved Rock Run Greenway Trail and the 4.36-mile paved Joliet Junction Trail, both suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These trails connect to the I&M Canal State Trail to form a 16-mile, mostly paved loop.
Flora and fauna
Theodore Marsh protects a range of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and a portion of Rock Run. Wildlife includes more than 100 bird species, such as pied-billed grebe. Plant species found at the preserve include velvety white vervain, smooth blue aster and marsh bellflower. Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain these natural communities.
Restoration of the site began in 2000 with the removal of fill from wetlands and the creation of upland prairie and wetland across more than 120 acres.
Preserve history
Theodore Marsh was acquired between 1994 and 2009 and is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which protects more than 1,400 acres. A 140-acre portion of the preserve was registered as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2003, providing permanent protection for its natural resources.
Upcoming events
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Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Tic-Tac-GO!
Turn this summer into a summer of adventure with weekly explorations at Monee Reservoir and Plum Creek Nature Center.
Pollinator Party
Get a head start on celebrating Pollinator Week 2026 at this family-friendly event where you can learn about the insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants.
Latest headlines
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What you need to know about the lone star tick
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
One small gosling's rescue highlights a big problem in the preserves
A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers. The rescue highlights the dangers discarded fishing line poses to wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.
Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside of the District's dog parks.
The sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.