Forest preserves don't come ready-made ― but sometimes it may seem that way.

   All those hiking trails, the flowering prairies, the ponds and lakes ― they've always been there, right? Not exactly. Even Mother Nature can use a helping hand in repairing human disturbances and making a natural area accessible for visitors to enjoy.

   The Champaign County Forest Preserve District has been especially busy of late, with the addition of two forest preserves in the last four years. River Bend Forest Preserve, at the southwest edge of Mahomet, was added in 2005 and the Sangamon River Forest Preserve, located about 2 miles south of Fisher, was added in 2008.

   “Our primary goals in developing new property are to conserve the existing plant and animal habitats, to provide access to the preserve for Champaign County residents and to provide opportunities for educational

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