A former golf course connected to the now-shuttered Highland Park Country Club, this preserve opened to the public in June 2022 and is rapidly becoming a popular north suburban birding destination. Mature trees, pond and wetland overlooks, a trail along the North Branch Chicago River watershed, and the adjacent Skokie River Woods property with a Great Blue Heron rookery provide a variety of bird-friendly habitats with easy walking.

Directions: The preserve is accessed from the parking lot of the Park Fitness (formerly called the Recreation Center of Highland Park) at 1207 Park Avenue West, just east of Route 41. Meet in front of the Recreation Center building.

Leader: Josh Engel (224) 213-2280

Please register for The Preserve of Highland Park trip here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.