The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden is located in Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. Located just off Illinois Route 47 in Mahomet, Illinois, the garden boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in East Central Illinois.  Local freelance photographer, Briana Bailey said she loves to take pictures at the gardens.

“I love it because the scenery is so beautiful,” she said. “Everywhere you turn, you can find something that captures the beauty in East Central Illinois.”

Bailey took these pictures last season.  The garden has evolved over a period of years from a small garden outside the museum to the eight acres it covers today. A major renovation in 1974 was spearheaded by H.I. Gelvin, the founder of the Forest Preserve District, and the area was named in tribute to his late wife, Mabery.

Additions since then are the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden, located at the south end of the garden, and the Discovery Garden, which is directly behind the museum.  Bailey said the gardens are a great place to visit anytime of the year.

“I do feel like it is great for families,” she said. “There is something to do for everyone. You can be active, and you can learn about the nature and history in this area- all one place- and that’s really something important to have.”

There is no admission fee to enter Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve or the Botanical Garden. Visitors may access the garden through the Museum of the Grand Prairie, which also has no admission fee, or by going around the museum to the gate on the east side. The garden is open from 7 a.m. to sundown

For more information call (217) 586-3360 or e-mail: hq@ccfpd.org.