With a long history that includes a stint as a tree nursery, this Lake County Forest Preserve moves from pine grove to prairie to oak woodland to provide a rich variety of birdlife. Migrating warblers, thrushes, vireos, kinglets, grosbeaks and sparrows should be present along with resident species as fall migration continues.
Directions: The entrance to Lyons Woods is located at the corner of Blanchard and Sheridan Roads, north of Bowen Park and south of York House Road.
Leaders: Maureen Marsh (352) 317-5130 and Wanda Supanich (224) 433-1675
Please register for the Lyons Woods walk here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.
Join us to bird one of the most important sites for biodiversity in Illinois, named for the waterway known as the Middle Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River that transects the property. Featuring a rare tallgrass savanna ecosystem as well as wetland, woodlands, prairies and open fields, this preserve is a prime spot for viewing fall migrants like Fox, White-crowned and Lincoln’s Sparrows as well as Sandhill Cranes, Wilson’s Snipe, Northern Harrier and a variety of migrating waterfowl. Special mid-October sightings in recent years have included Harris’ Sparrow, Purple Finch and the spectacle of hundreds of undulating Pine Siskins swooping over the fields. European Goldfinch are also becoming increasingly common sightings here.
Directions: The preserve is located at 1401 Middlefork Dr in Lake Forest. From Route 60, take Route 43 north to Westmoreland Dr./Middlefork Dr. Turn left to the parking lot.
Leaders: Charlotte Pavelka and Doug Reitz (847) 347-8416
Please register for the MIddlefork Savanna walk here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.
NEW! The 61-acre Jean and John Greene Ravine is a Lake Forest Open Lands property that contains rare ravine, bluff and lakeshore natural communities. It is home to seven state endangered and threatened native plant species and provides important resting habitat for migratory birds along the Lake Michigan flyway, including resident Red-headed Woodpeckers.
NOTE: In addition to land birding, we will be taking the stairs to the beach to check for waterfowl. Those with mobility issues can continue to bird along 1.7-acre trail.
Registration is required and limited to 15 cars due to limited parking. Please register here to confirm your spot.
Directions: The Greene Nature Preserve is located at 797 Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, directly north of the Fort Sheridan Preserve cemetery entrance and US Army Reserve base. Look for the stone pillars. NOTE: the entrance is gated but the leaders will meet to let you in.
Leaders: Maureen Marsh (352) 317-5130 and Wanda Supanich (224) 433-1675