Formed by an old loop in the river’s course, lies the Oxbow Prairie. This old oxbow in the Chicago River’s North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies on what was once the east bank of the river. The mesic prairie had […]
The Miami Woods Forest Preserve covers 112 acres stretching along the west side of the North Branch of the Chicago River from Oakton Street northward to Dempster Street. It is bounded on the west side by Caldwell Avenue, Waukegan Road and development at the intersection of Waukegan Road and Dempster Street. The land on the […]
St. Paul Woods is an inviting oak-hickory woodland situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Like many of our native woodlands, it needs management to clear invasive brush and trees to restore the original structure. With increased sunlight, the wildflowers and grasses will once again add to the beauty of the woods. Join […]
Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site depends on a community of volunteers to remove invasive species, spread native seed, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals. Visit The […]
You're invited to join the Friends of Dan Ryan Woods for their monthly volunteer day, the second Saturday of each month. They're out from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. cutting and burning brush, enjoying our wonderful woods, and enjoying our little community. Location: Dan Ryan Woods 91st Street parking lot, 1799 W 90th St, Chicago, […]
The final three miles of the Des Plaines River Trail have more lost, abandoned, and mysterious artifacts than any other stretch of the trail; we’ll discuss what these are and how they fit into the modern history of this most urban of urban rivers. Along the way, we’ll also talk about water quality, habitat conditions […]
Hidden Pond Woods offers a variety of delights, all within a short walk of the parking lot. The southern portion is oak woodland with small wetlands. The northern half is largely prairie, growing in increments year by year as more ground is reclaimed by volunteer efforts. Restoration includes the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle […]
Join us for a fun and educational day out in nature starting at 10:00 AM. This event is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to socialize, learn, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Eggers Grove. Located in a peaceful natural setting, Eggers Grove offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and learning experiences. Come and connect […]
Seeds are the lifeblood of healthy woodlands and prairies. By growing successive generations of species, they help ensure resilient, self-renewing natural areas for years to come. Restoration volunteers hand collect seeds of many different species in Forest Preserve sites along the Chicago River North Branch, then distribute them to other less healthy North Branch sites. […]
Please join the Friends community to celebrate the beauty of the forest preserves and to honor the winners of the 2023 Photo Contest! View the winning photos from our 2023 Photo Contest up close and personal, hung professionally on the gallery walls! Then enjoy a panel discussion with some of the winning photographers. Refreshments will […]
Formed by an old loop in the river’s course, lies the Oxbow Prairie. This old oxbow in the Chicago River’s North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies on what was once the east bank of the river. The mesic prairie had […]
Black Partridge Woods is one of the first dedicated nature preserves in Illinois. The 80 acre site features river bluffs, ravine forests, and spring-fed streams, and boasts one of the earliest and most diverse displays of spring wildflowers in the region. Restoration activities center on the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and barberry with […]
