AURORA — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help fund a project at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire, thanks to strong support from State Senator Linda Holmes.

“This funding will bring a wildlife observation overlook at Muirhead Springs in Hampshire,” said Holmes (D–Aurora). “This elevated, ADA-accessible platform will give visitors of all ages and abilities the opportunity to see shorebirds and other wildlife frequenting the preserve, as well as existing acres of restored prairie, wetlands and open water restored in the past.”

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is one of 67 Illinois communities receiving this grant of $600,000, the maximum award for the OSLAD grants. The project, estimated to cost $2,001,400, will include an area for education, interpretive signage, a trail and small shelter.

In the late 1990s, Muirhead Springs began a conversion from farmland back to its original role as a natural wetland area. When the water started to rise, several types of wildlife started gathering, including the federally endangered Whooping Crane. As ecological restoration continues, the overlook will create a more accessible view of the area.

The observation platform project is expected to begin permitting, preliminary and final engineering this year, with construction beginning in early 2027.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.