Wheaton's Lincoln Marsh transports visitors to a place of wonder and wildlife

Stroll into Wheaton's Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and you enter a different world, a world that can feel very foreign to the suburban experience.

The 150 acres, overseen by Wheaton Park District, are home to roughly 300 plant and animal species, including turtles, toads and frogs and coyotes, white-tailed deer and owls.

Supporters say the marsh is a perfect place to "increase awareness and appreciation for our connections to the earth and to each other" through educational and social experiences in a healthy ecosystem.

Visitors can hike through the marsh - or snowshoe in winter - or participate in a variety of nature programs. There's even a challenge course and a playground.

The marsh also serves a practical purpose by storing stormwater during heavy rains. According to its website, the cost of building a man-made stormwater facility that holds as much water would top $10 million.

But the real magic of the marsh, which is open from dawn to dusk, is that it takes us into that different world, a world of water and reeds and wildlife.

Whether you use the main entrance at Harrison and Pierce avenues, or the east entrance at 1000 W. Lincoln Ave., you're almost certain to see something you haven't seen before - maybe a plant, maybe an animal, maybe just a vista.

For details on the marsh, call (630) 871-2810 or visit lincolnmarsh@wheatonparks.org.