Also, see:|
Havener Park

Forest, forest edge, pond, meadow, and wetland habitats make up this park in Liberty Township, which is Preservation Parks’ primary hub for nature programs and camps. Trails skirt the meadows and wind through mature woods, offering a variety of vistas to visitors.

Deer Haven Park is home to the Amy Clark-Bader Bird Sanctuary, and the trails, bird feeders, and nesting boxes attract many resident and migrating birds. The tree swallow grid in the prairie areas attracts these territorial birds, and the viewing windows in the visitor center allow park patrons to enjoy watching birds from indoors.

The park also includes a pollinator garden, providing information to the public about how both humans and wildlife depend on pollination. An insect hotel provides locations for beneficial insects to nest, and a natural play area is located near the Visitor Center, affording new ways for children to play in nature.

Deer Haven Park is adjacent to Liberty Township’s Havener Park. The two parks share the main access driveway and walking trails are connected, providing about 3 miles of trails between the two parks. Pets are not allowed on the Deer Haven trails, but access is provided from the Deer Haven parking lot to the trails in adjacent Havener Park, which do allow pets.

The Deer Haven property was donated to Preservation Parks in 2006 by Phyllis A. Havener and her family, and John W. Bader Jr. donated funds to the Park District to develop the Bird Sanctuary in his wife’s honor. The park was opened to the public in 2008, and The Visitor Center opened in 2009.

The Visitor Center can be rented for business meetings. It includes a classroom, kitchenette, nature library, and restrooms; scroll down for rental information.