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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Volunteer Morning: Evans-Judge Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Perseids in the Preserves
Pack a chair, a blanket and snacks and join us for this nighttime viewing opportunity of the Perseids meteor shower.
Whooo’s Awake at Tempest Farm?
Learn about the owls of the night sky, make an owl boxes to take home and tour the grounds of Tempest Farm.
Latest headlines
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Kindergarten teacher gets A+ for contest-winning bumblebee photo
Nancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.
Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve
Farm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.
Vendors sought for Festival of Arts Through Nature on Sept. 26
Artisans should apply by the Sept. 1 deadline to be considered for this event.