Eggers Woods is a mosaic of wooded ridges where spring wildflowers thrive and narrow wetlands are filled with sedges, marsh grasses, and waterfowl. Help remove invasive species that threaten to crowd out native plants. Trained leaders will show you how to identify which plants to remove and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools. Masks […]
Whistler Woods contains oak trees up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Join a volunteer group that is cutting back invasives and improving the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore health to our forest preserves and river system, by nurturing diverse wildlife, trees, and wildflowers. […]
The Skokie River and Middle Fork of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet Woods its name. But Watersmeet is also a wet place with numerous special types of wetlands that support rare plants and wildlife, including the only “calcareous seep” on the North Branch preserves. This seep environment is fed by cool groundwater […]
Help restore habitat for plants and wildlife at this historic forest preserve. Blue Star Woods was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and a WWII Prisoner of War Camp. During that period, most of the site was converted to barracks and buildings. Since then, the camp has been demolished and nature has […]
Help us remove woody invasive species that deplete the health of the soil, prevent native plants from thriving, and severely affect the health of the ecosystem they invade. Make sure to bring your own water; dress for the weather by wearing layers; wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and avoid synthetic materials; sturdy, closed-toe […]
The Skokie River and Middle Fork of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet Woods its name. But Watersmeet is also a wet place with numerous special types of wetlands that support rare plants and wildlife, including the only “calcareous seep” on the North Branch preserves. This seep environment is fed by cool groundwater […]
Help us remove woody invasive species that deplete the health of the soil, prevent native plants from thriving, and severely affect the health of the ecosystem they invade. Make sure to bring your own water; dress for the weather by wearing layers; wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and avoid synthetic materials; sturdy, closed-toe […]
ALL HIKES IN THIS SERIES ARE FREE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY. LaBagh Woods may be in the middle of urban Chicago, but it's still a majorly important spot for wildlife, especially migrating birds. LaBagh has a rich history and a thriving volunteer community that works to restore wildlife habitat on the site and also to photographically […]
This site protects a large area of one of the rarest plant communities in Illinois, known as a Northern Flatwoods. Flatwoods are found where a dense layer of clay lies near the surface of the soil. This clay prevents rain from draining in the spring, although flatwoods can become very dry in the summer. Plants […]
During the transition from winter to spring, some types of trees begin to produce large amounts of tree sap. Trees, like sugar maples, don't do this just so humans can make syrup though. This sugary liquid is meant to give trees the energy they need to produce their first flowers and leaves of the year. […]
As we get ready to welcome spring and as the weather warms up (hopefully!), we begin to make our way back to Whistler Woods to check out the birds residing and passing by. Whistler Woods borders the Little Calumet River and is host to an oak woodland, so you are able to see birds such […]
Whistler Woods contains oak trees up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Join a volunteer group that is cutting back invasives and improving the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore health to our forest preserves and river system, by nurturing diverse wildlife, trees, and wildflowers. […]
