top of page
Missionary Oblate Woods Nature Preserve

Preserves habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Maintains native ecological forest communities.
Protects biodiversity.

Starting Fires to Burn 10 Acres

Starting Fires to Burn 10 Acres

Using Drip Torch to Spread Fire

Using Drip Torch to Spread Fire

Novices Removing Honeysuckle

Novices Removing Honeysuckle

Learning To Identify Honeysuckle

Learning To Identify Honeysuckle

Posting Boundary Markers

Posting Boundary Markers

Spotting Native Plants

Spotting Native Plants

Debbie Newman Identifies Plants

Debbie Newman Identifies Plants

Debbie Newman Teaching Novices

Debbie Newman Teaching Novices

Removing Trash from Nature Preserve

Removing Trash from Nature Preserve

Planting Natives in the Preserve

Planting Natives in the Preserve

Removing Invasive Tree of Life

Removing Invasive Tree of Life

Studying Remnant Bluff Prairie

Studying Remnant Bluff Prairie

In 1993, the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission, along with La Vista, dedicated 15 acres, naming them the Missionary Oblates Woods Nature Preserve.

Through the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy, a dedicated group of volunteers along with OMI novices maintain the area by removing invasive species, assisting in prescribed burns, and removing trash.

bottom of page