West Gate entrance on N. Stockton Drive
Hundreds of state-endangered Black-crowned Night Herons nest in the Lincoln Park Zoo, creating what is believed to be the largest remaining single-species BCNH breeding colony in Illinois. The number of nests, the squawk of the birds and their newly hatched chicks, and the fact that they are breeding in the middle of a busy urban neighborhood create a magical viewing experience as well as a wonderful conservation learning opportunity. Amy Lardner, founder of the Chicago Black-crowned Night Heron Project, will show us the rookery, explain its significance as well as the project’s conservation efforts, and then accompany us to the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk to discuss the zoo’s broader urban conservation involvement. Optional brunch at Café Brauer on the Nature Boardwalk overlooking South Pond to follow.
Meet outside the zoo’s West Gate entrance on N. Stockton Drive. ARRIVE EARLY TO FIND STREET PARKING. (The zoo parking lot costs $35 or more unless you are a member.) Carpool if possible to make parking easier.
Please register for the tour and the optional brunch here – we need a headcount for both.