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In November, 1957 The Vernon Woods Owners’ Association acquired a 17 acre parcel along the Des Plaines River. The property was known as "Lot 1” until 2005, when it was renamed the Patterson Nature Preserve after long-time resident Howard Patterson, who was very active in Village affairs for many years. Howard passed away on December 2, 2020. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The title document states: “The property hereby conveyed shall be retained by the grantee Association for the use of its members in its present wild and wooded condition. No living tree shall be cut down. No building shall be erected on the property.” Those restrictions are respected by Vernon Woods residents, and are enforceable by the VWOA and by any member of the VWOA.
The Patterson Nature Preserve is maintained by the VWOA and by volunteer residents, who constructed a foot path and built a bridge over a low-lying area to facilitate access. The property is available for recreational use by all residents of Vernon Woods, and is accessed by a pedestrian easement from Thornmeadow Road at the western end of Orange Brace Road. There is a gate at the entrance to the path. The preserve is a bird sanctuary, wildlife refuge and wildflower domain intended for the pleasure of all of us.
Volunteers are always needed to help maintain the preserve, by planting natives and by removing invasives such as buckthorn and garlic mustard that smother desirable native undergrowth and saplings. No vehicles are permitted on the property.
Howard Patterson photo by Roger Simonson
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