Great horned owls are one of the apex predators of Cook County. Sometimes known as "the tiger of the skies," they grow large, relying on their size and strength to ambush prey. They will even hunt other birds of prey. Because their chicks need time to grow large and to learn hunting skills before the […]
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. […]
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. […]
This event has passed. Celebrate the wonderous world of nature photography with the Friends community. "The Preserves in Pixels: A Virtual Photo Exhibit and Panel Discussion" is Thursday, March 10, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join us in honoring the winners of the 12th Annual Photo Contest. You'll enjoy a slideshow of all the winning photos […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
ALL HIKES IN THIS SERIES ARE FREE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY. The second hike in our series is at Forest Glen Woods, just up the river from LaBagh. Forest Glen is another urban forest preserve and it has many similarities to LaBagh Woods. Most of the site has been altered by human activities that included cattle […]
As we welcome spring and the weather warms up, we head 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 as the Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorant, Red-Headed Woodpecker, among […]
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 […]
As we welcome spring and the weather warms up, we head 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 as the Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorant, Red-Headed Woodpecker, among […]
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. […]
There are so many different ways you can enjoy being out in the forest preserves! Join us at Beaubien Woods as Donisha Reed, of Wealthy Living Coaching and Consulting, LLC, guides us in a meditation and gentle yoga by Flatfoot Lake. We will then take a short walk to observe the natural space around us. […]
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 […]
