This website describes several forestry practices. For a living example of these practices, visitors are encouraged to visit Schurmeier Forest, south of Elizabeth, Illinois.


This forest is owned by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF). They have set aside 11 acres as a Teaching Forest; these eleven acres are managed by the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association.


A free self-paced guidebook, found in the visitor's kiosk, describes aspects, trees, and practices of this
forest that are identified by signs along the one-half mile trail.


To get there, turn south on Myrtle Avenue in the center of Elizabeth, Myrtle will become Pleasant Hill Road. Drive about 2.5 miles on Pleasant Hill Road to Reusch Road, turn left. Schurmeier Forest is 1/2 mile ahead. Parking is on the right, the forest, kiosk, and trail are on the left.


During normal business hours, the JDCF office is open at 126 North Main Street, Elizabeth. They have additional guidebooks, more information about Schurmeier Forest, and knowledge about forestland in Jo Daviess county. 


JDCF has a website at http://jdcf.org