Volo Bog is the southmost open-water quaking bog in North America to exhibit all stages of bog succession.  It is Illinois' only remaining open-water quaking bog.  An herb mat of sedges and ferns surrounds the open water.  Sphagnum moss joins the team as the mat thickens to support low shrubs such as leatherleaf, bog birch, and little bog willow, along with young tamarack trees.  Further still from the open water, older tamaracks dominate and define their zone, floating up and down with changing water levels.  At the outer edge of the tamarack zone, the trees no longer float as the peat joins with the accumulating peat below.  Here the tamaracks die off giving way to the next zone - one of tall shrubs dominated by winterberry holly where shrubland birds including yellow warblers, common yellowthroat and veery find suitable habitat.  At the outer edge of the shrub zone, where fire and minerals from surrounding runoff have influence, the tall shrubs give way to a marsh moat that in drier years becomes more of a sedge meadow. 

Volo Bog was Declared an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1970 and a National Natural Landmark in 1973.  It is used as an outdoor classroom by visiting students from elemenatry school through college as well as by scout and other you groups and adult learners from garden clubs, environmental and faith base groups and more.

Volo Bog is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources within Volo Bog State Natural Area.  The site also manages marshes, woodlands and prairie restorations.  A Visitor Center housed in a renovated dairy barn features exhibits about Volo Bog and wetland ecology.  Staff and volunteers are available to guide tours and offer other interpretive programs year round.  The Friends of Volo Bog is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that offers financial support.