Along with rich plant diversity there are a variety of wildlife species, but birdwatchers can find migratory parakeets and year-round feathered friends such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Eatern Bluebird
Within the town of Elgin, IL, Bluff Springtime Fen Nature Preserve offers an oasis of natural beauty and ecological significance, however it encompasses one hundred acres of untouched wilderness, providing a sanctuary for anyone looking prefer fresh air and appealing scenery, but unique geological features, a diverse ecosystems and a long-standing history of conservation efforts makes Bluff Springtime Fen, a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the Fen takes its name from the “fen” type of wetland, characterized by the presence of alkaline, mineral-rich groundwater seeping through limestone bedrock. This unproper geological phenomenon creates an assortment of wetland habitats for all sorts of plant species, several of which are found only in this single spot in the state of IL, a tour of the preserve offers a complex network of boardwalks and trails that wind through these natural rarities, however wooden paths lead through lush fern meadows, providing an option to explore the delicate ecosystem with minimal human footprint. There are over five hundred plant species represented at Bluff Springtime Fen Nature Preserve in Elgin, including many precious and endangered ones, then one of the most interesting is the Eastern Prairie Finged Orchid. This especially appealing orchid is a threatened species and is the focus of the preserve’s conservation efforts. Along with rich plant diversity there are a variety of wildlife species, but birdwatchers can find migratory parakeets and year-round feathered friends such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Eatern Bluebird. Inspects, amphibians and reptiles abound, making the preserve a rewarding endpoint of wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, since the 1960s, sad Elgin citizens have recognized the preservation of precious fen ecosystem as a a priority and have worked to protect it from urban development.