Tempest Farm
Location
Tempest Farm is located off South Yates Avenue, east of Beecher, in Washington Township.
Hours
Only open for public programs as listed in the Event Calendar.
Phone
815-727-8700
The 40-acre Tempest Farm was acquired in 2020. The preserve is part of the Trim Creek Watershed.
The land was donated by Lisbet “Beth” Temple to honor her late husband, Dr. Arvid Temple. Arvid, an avid horseman and animal lover, bought the Washington Township farm in 1965.
In 2013, the Forest Preserve received a conservation easement on 160 acres of the farm. Per the conservation easement, in 2020, Beth Temple began transferring ownership of the farm to the Forest Preserve, transferring the southeast 40 acres. Full transfer is anticipated in the years to come.
This donation is the largest land gift to the District by an individual.'
Natural resources
The site currently protects farmland but provides an opportunity for future grassland restoration near the Trim Creek headwaters.
Upcoming programs
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Full Moon: Firefly Hike
Join us for a naturalist-led hike where we look for fireflies under the light of the full moon.
Sidewalk Chalk Contest
Let your creative side shine when you create your own sidewalk chalk masterpiece in our annual contest.
Our Community Nature Journal
Use nature as a muse and get creative with nature journaling at Hidden Oaks.
Latest headlines
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Meteor shower activity really heats up in July
Shooting star activity will be heating up in July, with three meteor showers kicking off. A comet will also be visible in the night sky.
Half-price 2026 dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price 2026 dog park permits will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, July 1. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2026.
Celebrate the Fourth with a Forest Preserve merch sale
From June 28 to July 6, get 17.76% off shirts, hats, magnets and more at OutsiderThreads.com.