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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Trail Club: October at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.
Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature 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.
Mocktober at Messenger Woods
Join us at Messenger Woods for a guided experience along our trails to trick-or-treat for some themed mocktails
Latest headlines
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Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911
Residents can opt in to receive notifications when burns are planned nearby.
‘Absolute gem’: Rotary Club honored for role in Forest Preserve’s creation
Rotary Club's vision helped shape 100 years of preservation.
Rainy day gull shot wins September photo contest
Shorewood photographer captures moody moment at Whalon Lake Preserve.