River Bend Forest Preserve

How the Environment was Considered in Construction of this Preserve
When development plans for this facility started in 2001, the CCFPD staff took a hard look at how to use the latest techniques to keep the area biologically healthy in the future, and generally, how to best help the environment. After unnecessary roads were removed from Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, the materials were transported to River Bend, where they were used in several areas, most noticeably as the surface for the multi-use trail and road. All together, the parking lot, roads and trail used approximately 820 tons of recycled concrete and more than 4,500 tons of recycled asphalt.

Drainage was another big issue. Ponds constructed to catch silt and pollutants in runoff, called wetland bioswales, were designed to channel storm water from parking lots to areas that can remediate pollutants through the use of native plants.

Local sources of materials and contracts were used to help save time and travel. All of the landscape plants were native to Champaign County. More than 400 native trees and shrubs were planted in the landscaping and natural areas, and more than 700 tons of topsoil were replaced in mined areas to help grow trees and grass.

Special Features
9-11 Memorial Woodland
The 9-11 Memorial Woodland was established by the citizens of Champaign County as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The first tree was planted on September 11, 2002, and on the fifth anniversary of that tragic day in our nation’s history, an interpretive sign officially naming the area was unveiled in a commemorative ceremony.

Possibility Pier
That beautiful structure out on the lake is Possibility Pier, which is designed for universal accessibility. It includes fishing stations that allow a seated person to fish comfortably through special slots in the railing and utilize tackle tables at just the right height to hold gear nearby. As you can see, a portion of the pier is even under roof to keep the summer sun at bay, and an on-board picnic table means you can enjoy lunch on the water!

Artificial aquatic weeds strung from the bottom of the pier attract fish, and specially-constructed habitat structures sunk on the bottom do the same. The result is the best fishing opportunity in the area for those who do not have a boat.

General Information
All CCFPD rules and ordinances are in effect. Be especially aware that:

• Dogs must be leashed at all times.
• Alcohol, camping and hunting are all prohibited.
• Power for watercraft is limited to oar, paddle, or electric trolling motors.
• Sails and all air-buoyed craft such as inflatable rafts are not allowed.

Boundaries

• Areas marked with buoy lines are not to be entered. Buoy lines should not be crossed, moved or used to facilitate anchoring.
• Areas marked as private property do not belong to the Forest Preserve District, and crossing into those areas is considered to be trespassing.

Top of Page

We Ask for Your Help

We need the help of everyone to preserve the pristine water quality in River Bend Forest Preserve. The lakes are spring fed and have no flowing outlet. Therefore, any pollutants or trash put into the lakes cannot be diluted or washed away. We need your help keeping these lakes as clean as possible so that many future generations can enjoy what nature has to offer.

Exotic or Invasive Species such as Zebra Mussel, Asian Carp, and Eurasian Watermilfoil have invaded Illinois at a very large cost. These small pieces of live plant material or young animals can be carried inside your boat motor, livewell or trailer for several days, and be inadvertently deposited into a new area. Once in a new setting, they adapt quickly and can aggressively overtake native populations of plants and animals and deplete our natural resources.

To Protect Water and Wildlife from Invasive Species:

• Fishing with minnows or live bait is prohibited. Worms are allowed.
• Boats with gasoline engines mounted on them (whether the engine is in use or not) are not allowed. Please remove motors prior to launching your boat.
• Boats with built-in livewells are not allowed.
• Boaters are requested not to launch any boat that has been in the Illinois River, Wabash River, or Great Lakes within five days prior to your visit to River Bend.
• Boaters are requested to check boats, trailers, trolling motors, etc. to make sure no plant matter is clinging to them before placing boats in the lake.

Your efforts in preserving the quality of this special facility are greatly appreciated.

Top of Page

Directions, Hours & Contact Information
River Bend Forest Preserve is located in south Mahomet on Mid-America Road about one mile west of Route 47. From Champaign-Urbana, take I-72 west to the Route 47 exit. Go north approximately 3.5 miles on Route 47, turn left on Mid-America Road, and follow the signs. 

Physical Address - 1602 Mid-America Road, Mahomet
River Bend Forest Preserve Map

River Bend opens at 7 AM year-round, weather-permitting. Closing times vary:

For more information about River Bend Forest Preserve, contact our Headquarters Office at (217) 586-3360 or hq@ccfpd.org.

Top of Page