Located in Edwardsville Illinois,this is a nice 40 acre park with wetlands,woodlands and grasslands. Paved and gravel trails are well marked . Most trails circle the small lagoon. Pets are welcome. Plenty of parking. read more

See all

The Watershed Nature Center is a hidden gem in Edwardsville! The folks who maintain the place do such a good job making sure this area is preserved for nature and humans to enjoy together. You never know what kind of animals you may run into out here, and there is a beautiful view everywhere you turn! The actual nature center itself is excellent for learning about local wildlife, you might even get to meet one of the amazing folk who helps keep this place beautiful! read more

See all

Didn't get to go inside the actual center due to COVID19, but the actual reserve is gorgeous. A lovely walk that will take you around the water. A pretty short walk but would be a nice trail to run a few laps around. Lots of nature to be seen, bees, turtles, other critters, cool cattails to run through. Surprisingly not as buggy as I thought it would be. Educational signs along the way. read more

See all

Always a beautiful, peaceful place to walk and enjoy native Illinois plants, marsh, and wildflowers. Butterflies, dragonflies, and birds all around. Love the boardwalks and towers to rest, sketch, or just reflect. Well taken care of and clean area, restrooms are decent. Nice safe area in lovely Edwardsville. Walking trails and ball diamonds surround the park. Bike racks too! read more

Watershed Nature Center - Parks Near Me - Edwardsville, Illinois

Very popular place to hike in Edwardsville. I just hope you aren't afraid of snakes. This is a nice loop around the marsh and it even takes you through the marsh. Many field trips are hosted. It has an overlook to see on the marsh. Very well maintained. read more

Watershed Nature Center - Jingle Hike - Parks Near Me - Edwardsville, Illinois

We were just in Edwardsville for the evening and were looking for a nice place to take an evening walk. This place was beautiful! The trail was nice and there were other people there walking and some running. There was one spot along the path that had some uneven trail; otherwise, it was clear and easy to walk. read more

See all

Watershed Nature Center "...to promote environmental stewardship and provide opportunities for the community to understand and appreciate nature." The Watershed Nature Preserve, a nature preserve within the City of Edwardsville, was founded to preserve and restore local ecosystems. As part of the Cahokia Creek watershed, Watershed Nature Center is comprised of over forty acres of wetlands, prairies, and upland and lowland forests. The Center was founded in 1991 as a result of volunteer efforts from concerned community members dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats and environmental education. The Watershed Nature Center is owned by the City of Edwardsville, managed by the Nature Preserve Foundation, Inc., and supported by a local community of volunteers and sponsors. The trails are free to the public and accessible from dawn to dusk. ---- The above was taken from their website. Anyhow, if you are a local, you pretty much know this place as the hub of education activities. You probably had a "class field trip" there as a kid or volunteered there too. Pretty serene environment and the loop around the whole nature center grounds is about 1 mile. The lake is popping with bass and other fish. Don't get caught illegally fishing though. Good place for photo opportunities. I always got a kick out of beavers chomping away at the trees. They reproduce like crazy and the population is out of control but they are a pleasant sight to see swimming on their backs if you can catch them at dusk. Parking is ample. Not a problem. It's a pretty good place to unwind and get your mind off the busy world outside. Bring some binoculars if you have a chance. Great place to bird watch. read more

Watershed Nature Center - Parks Near Me - Edwardsville, Illinois

See all

This is a great place to be with family or take your dog on a walk. My favorite is the marsh trail. There are trails all the way around the water, but half of it is paved and half of it is dirt so bring some walking shoes and visit the nature center. It's like a hidden jewel that I came across by accident. read more

Watershed Nature Center is a beautiful nature reserve located in the heart of my town. It is a wonderful place to go for a run, have a picnic, take the kids for a family walk, or just to sit and enjoy the beauty and peace of nature. I take pride that there is a nature reserve in my town and that people in my community take the time to appreciate the nature and beauty of it all. read more

I walk at Watershed on a weekly basis with my dogs. It is beautiful and serene right in the middle of town. The marsh walk is my favorite! Definitely check this place out. read more