Nature in the City of Chicago

explore the wonders of natureright here in the city!

nature in the city

1200+ stewardship volunteers

90 annual gardens

40 bird & butterfly sanctuaries

22 prairies/grasslands

17 historic lagoons

11 savannas/woodlands

9 river edge habitats

8 nature gardens

8 dune/beach habitats

5 wetlands

3 shrublands

2 world-class conservatories

1 nature center

1 organic greenhouse

1 urban farm

camping programs for youth, teens and families

canoeing programs

fishing programs

gardening programs

toddler programs

On the cover: Northerly Island

RECEIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON NATURE PROGRAMS & EVENTSUrban Naturalist is the quarterly nature newsletter of the Chicago Park District. It provides up-to-datenature program and event listings for all Chicagoparks. In addition to the activities, it also includesinformative nature articles and volunteer profiles. To sign up for our environmentally friendly onlineversion, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. To receive a hard copy in the mail, call the NorthPark Village Nature Center at 312.744.5472.

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Did you know that Chicago’s 7600+ acres of parkland are home to . . . Nature Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Community Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Nature in the City by Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Nature in the City Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fold-out section

Nature Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Green Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Volunteer Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Maintaining Parks & Nature Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Keeping Parks Clean & Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Wooded Island in Jackson Park

ithin our urban environment, we offerthese natural spots as a way to bringChicago residents and guests closer tonature. We hope this connection goesbeyond just a walk in the park and begins to create a sense of stewardship and involvement. We need your help to keepthese nature areas, along with all parks and beaches, clean and safe. Pleasereview the list on the inside back cover of this brochure to see what you can do.

Nature is abundant in Chicago!

We invite you to come out and enjoy it.

Timothy J. MitchellGeneral Superintendent & CEO, Chicago Park District

The Monarch butterfly is the

official insect of Illinois. In the

summer, look for Monarchs on

milkweed. It’s their favorite plant!

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com • 312.742.PLAY(7529) • 312.747.2001 (TTY) [1]

table of contents

Spending time outdoors is important for kids! Getting outside and enjoying nature helps children reduce

stress, and keeps them healthy. Try these ideas for some outdoor fun!

tips for parentsin the outdoors

Give your children unstructured time outside.Kids are naturally attractedto loose parts and roughedges—water, sand, rocks,and mud.

Enjoy nature in your neighborhood.Plant a garden, look forbirds or climb a tree.

Let your children take the lead.With their natural curiosity,your kids will quickly findsomething for the family to explore.

Hold a scavengerhunt in your backyard or a neighborhood park.Ask kids to check off itemson a list such as flowers,bird tracks, a squirrel,something that makes noise,colors in nature, worms and insects in the soil.

Play games to encourage looking.Try “I see something you don’t see and its color is….” Use yes-and-no questions to give yourkids clues.

Direct your children’s attention—and join in their fun.Point out trees or touch a leaf with your child;encourage him/her to listenfor birds, smell the flowers,or feel the wind or soil.

Don’t be afraid of notknowing the answers.You don’t have to knoweverything about plantsand animals to help yourchildren enjoy them; halfthe fun is asking questionsand building a sense ofcuriosity and wonder.

Nature areas offer Chicago residents and

guests a variety of opportunities to

discover and appreciate the richness and

beauty of nature in its many forms. There

are more than 50 designated nature areas

in Chicago’s parks. They range in size from

0.25 acres to 57 acres and often harbor

significant plant and animal species.

NATU R E AR EAS PROVI D E N U M E ROUS ECOLOG ICAL B E N E FITS

• protect and offer sanctuary for rare and endangered species

• protect the biodiversity of a region

• provide habitat, food sources, and shelter for wildlife

• increase soil fertility & prevent soil erosion

• aid in stormwater management

• act as buffer zones against water contamination

• increase oxygen in the atmosphere

For more information on ChicagoPark District nature areas, suchas descriptions of each site, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

The Chicago Park

District proudly supports

the Leave No Child

Inside initiative.

For more information visit

www.kidsoutside.info.

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com • 312.742.PLAY(7529) • 312.747.2001 (TTY)[2] [3]

nature areasMcCormick Bird Sanctuary in Burnham Park

Dunes/BeachesDunes occur wherever wind-blown sand has a chance to temporarily or permanentlystabilize into a ridge. The prevailing west-east wind direction makes Illinois dunes petiteversions of our neighboring Indiana dunes,but no less interesting. A natural beach doesnot have sand ridges like a dune, but sharessome of the same vegetation. Come explorethese habitats, home to unusual grasses,flowering plants, and birds.

Jackson Park63rd Street Beach63rd St. & Lake Michigan

Lincoln ParkFoster BeachFoster Ave. & Lake Michigan

Montrose BeachMontrose Ave. & Lake Michigan

North Avenue BeachNorth Ave. & Lake Michigan

Kathy Osterman BeachBetween Ardmore Ave. & Hollywood Ave. at Lake Michigan

Loyola Park1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.

Rainbow Park & Beach3111 E. 77th St. just southeast of the fieldhouse

South Shore Cultural Center7059 S. South Shore Dr.

BIRD & BUTTERFLYSANCTUARIESThis bird icon identifies thenature areas designated bythe Chicago Park District asBird & Butterfly Sanctuaries.Look for it in the Nature Arealistings on the followingpages. These areas have agreat variety of native plantsthat provide food and shelterfor many birds. Come outwith your binoculars inspring and fall, the besttimes to see the greatestvariety of birds. You can see the butterflies flutteringall summer long.

Montrose Beach Dunes

LagoonsChicago’s historiclagoons are man-madebodies of water thatprovide habitat for birds,crayfish, dragonflies,turtles, frogs and fish;and support nativevegetation along theshoreline. Come out and experience it all!

Auburn Park406 W. Winneconna Pkwy.

Columbus Park500 S. Central Ave.

Douglas Park1401 S. Sacramento Ave.

Garfield Park100 N. Central Park Ave.

Gompers Park4222 W. Foster Ave.

Humboldt Park1440 N. Sacramento Ave.

Indian Boundary Park2500 W. Lunt Ave.

Jackson Park6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Lincoln Park North Pond NatureSanctuary2045 Lincoln Park West

Rowing Lagoon2045 Lincoln Park West

South Pond2045 Lincoln Park West

Marquette Park6734 S. Kedzie Ave.

McKinley Park2210 W. Pershing Rd.

Riis Park6100 W. Fullerton Ave.

Sherman Park1301 W. 52nd St.

Stearns Quarry Park2700 S. Halsted St.

Washington Park5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.

General locations are used for nature area addresses. For specific location information and directions, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

STOCKEDThese lagoons arestocked with catfishand bluegill once amonth in June, July and August. A fishinglicense is required tofish in Chicago. Morefishing information on page 20.

Humboldt Park Lagoon


Nature GardensNature gardens showcase native Illinois plant species while attracting wildlife including birds,small mammals, butterflies, moths and other insects. Experience the variety, color, beauty and environmentalbenefits of landscaping with native plants.

River EdgesA river edge is the transitional habitat betweenthe river and the adjacent park. These naturalizedbanks provide food for migrating birds andshelter for herons, ducks, muskrats and turtles.Discover the Chicago River and it’s rich wildlifehabitat at these river edge parks.

Prairies/GrasslandsPrairies are grasslands that are dominated by perennial grasses, sedges andwildflowers. Don’t be fooled, there is much going on below the surface too,with plant roots extending 5–20 feet deep. As the roots die back each fall, theyadd organic material and naturally fertilize the soil—making prairie soil some ofthe best in the world. Discover prairies at their prime in the summer.

Bessemer Park8930 S. Muskegon Ave.

Horner Park2741 W. Montrose Ave.

Lincoln Park Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool2400 N. Cannon Dr.

Nichols Park1355 E. 53rd St.

Ogden Park6500 S. Racine Ave.

Portage Park4100 N. Long Ave.

Prospect Gardens Park10970 S. Prospect Ave.

Rutherford Sayre Park6871 W. Belden Ave.

Legion Park W. Peterson Ave. to W. FosterAve. at the Chicago River

Lincoln Park Marovitz Golf Course4440 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Montrose PointMontrose Ave. & Lake Michigan

Marquette Park6734 S. Kedzie Ave.

Ashburn Prairie 6735 S. Kedzie Ave.

Marquette Park Golf Course 6734 S. Kedzie Ave.

North Park Village Nature Center 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.

South Shore Cultural Center 7059 S. South Shore Dr.

Stearns Quarry Park2700 S. Halsted St.

Winnemac Park5001 N. Leavitt St.

Burnham ParkBurnham NatureSanctuary4700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

McCormick BirdSanctuary2400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Northerly Island 1400 S. Lynn White Dr.

Soldier Field1800 S. Lake Shore Dr.southeast of the stadium

Canal Origins Park 2701 S. Ashland Ave.

Canalport River Walk2700 S. Ashland Ave.

Columbus ParkColumbus Park Golf Course500 S. Central Ave.

Douglas ParkDouglas Park Golf Course1401 S. Sacramento Ave.


Jackson Park Bobolink Meadow6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Jackson Park Golf Course6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Wooded Island 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

California Park3843 N. California Ave.

Canal Origins Park2701 S. Ashland Ave.• Fishing Station

Clark (Richard) Park 3400 N. Rockwell St.• Non-motorized boat launch

Eugene Field Park5100 N. Ridgeway Ave.


Horner Park2741 W. Montrose Ave.

Kiwanis Park 3315 W. Carmen Ave.

River Park5100 N. Francisco Ave. • Non-motorized boat launch• Fishing Station

Ronan Park2900 W. Lawrence Ave.

General locations are used for nature area addresses. For specific location informationand directions, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Ronan Park River EdgeSouth Shore Cultural Center PrairieNichols Park Nature Garden


Savannas/WoodlandsA savanna is a wooded area with ground coverconsisting of native grasses and wildflowers anda tree canopy that covers or shades between 10-50% of the site. A woodland is similar to asavanna but with more trees covering 50-70% of the site. Oaks, hickories and elms are some of the species you’ll find in these nature areas.From treetop to woodland wildflowers, these lush and layered landscapes offer a variety ofhabitats for wildlife, such as migratory birds,insects, and invertebrates.

ShrublandsShrubland areas are dominated by a variety of native shrubs ranging in height from 3-10 feet. These spots are ideal for bird watching as theyprovide structure, cover and food for birds. Grab your binoculars and explore.

Burnham ParkBurnham Nature Sanctuary4700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Columbus Park500 S. Central Ave.

Hurley Park 1901 W. 100th St.

Jackson ParkBobolink Meadow6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Wooded Island 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Lincoln ParkBill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary 3550 N. Lake Shore Dr.


Mary Berkemeier Quinn Park of Trees 6239 N. McClellan St.


Washington Park5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.

West Pullman Park 401 W. 123rd St.

Burnham Park McCormick Bird Sanctuary 2400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Jackson ParkWooded Island 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Lincoln Park Montrose Point Montrose Ave. & LakeMichigan

WetlandsWetlands are low-land areas saturated with waterfor at least part of the year, and dominated byplants that are able to have their “feet wet.” Theseareas are home to insects, birds and other wildlifeand are alive with activity from dawn to dusk.

Gompers Park 4222 W. Foster Ave.

Lincoln ParkBill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary 3550 N. Lake Shore Dr.


Ridge Park 9512 S. Longwood Dr.


General locations are used for nature area addresses. For specific location informationand directions, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

West Pullman Park Savanna

It takes an oak tree

20 years to start

producing acorns.

Gompers Park Wetland


Columbus Park Woodland

South President’s Court Garden in Grant ParkgardensThe City of Chicago’s motto is “Urbs in Horto”, which

means a city in a garden. Our city is home to a vast number

of beautiful gardens, and many of those are located in

Chicago’s parks. Over 75-acres of gardens enhance our parks

and provide amazing sights and smells throughout the year.

Chicago Park District gardens are planted for the summer by

June 15th, fully splendid by July 15th, and most hold their color

well into October. Earlier in the year, look for spring plantings at

a few parks, including Grant Park. These gardens are at their

peak mid-April to mid-May.

GardensThe following list contains Chicago’s most popular park gardens. There are many more neighborhood gardenslocated throughout the city. For a complete list, visit our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Douglas ParkFormal GardensCorner of Sacramento Ave. & Ogden Ave.

Garfield ParkCity Garden, Demonstration Garden,Monet Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave.

Grant ParkBuckingham Fountain Flower GardensLake Shore Dr. & BuckinghamFountain – 500 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Cancer Survivors GardenUpper Randolph St. just east of Daley BicentennialPark Fieldhouse

Congress Median GardenCenter Median off of CongressPkwy., between Columbus Dr.& Michigan Ave.

Congress Plaza GardensMichigan Ave. & CongressPkwy.

Congress Triangle GardenCenter triangle on CongressPkwy. & Michigan Ave.

Formal GardensCorner of Balbo Ave. &Michigan Ave. – across fromthe Hilton Towers Hotel

North President’s CourtColumbus Dr. & CongressPkwy. – just north ofCongress Pkwy.

South President’s CourtColumbus Dr. & CongressPkwy. – just south ofCongress Pkwy.

Spirit of Music GardensCorner of Balbo Ave. &Michigan Ave. – just north of Balbo Ave.

Over 300 different

species of birds migrate

through Chicago each year

including the Ruby-throated

Hummingbird, which can fly

up to speeds of 60 miles an

hour and can fly backwards.


General locations are used for garden addresses. For specific location informationand directions, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Garfield Park Conservatory City Garden

[12]

Humboldt ParkFormal GardensCorner of Humboldt Blvd. & Division St.

Jackson ParkOsaka Garden59th St. & Cornell Dr.

Perennial GardenSouth of the Museum of Science and Industrybetween Cornell Dr. & Lake Shore Dr.

Lincoln ParkGrandma’s GardenCorner of Stockton Dr. &Webster Ave. (3 blocks long)

Great GardenWest of Lincoln Park Zoo off Stockton Dr.

South Lagoon Flower GardenWest of Lake Shore Dr., north of North Ave., at south end of the lagoon

Marquette ParkDemonstration Gardens6743 S. Kedzie Ave., along circle drive thru park

South Shore Cultural CenterFormal & Herb Garden7059 S. South Shore Dr.

Washington ParkDuSable Museum Flower Gardens740 65th Pl.

Washington Square ParkFountain Garden901 N. Clark St.

Great Garden in Lincoln ParkOsaka Garden in Jackson Park

General locations are used for garden addresses. For specific location informationand directions, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Help the disappearing bees!

Honey bees help pollinate

1/3 of the food we eat

and they are disappearing

at a frightening rate.

Plant a bee friendly garden

by including Sunflowers,

Echinacea, and Lavender.

Lake Shore Park Community Garden

TEACHERS! Interested in turning a Chicago park or nature area into an outdoor classroom?The Nature Oasis program can help. For moreinformation visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or email us at [email protected].

Nature OasisThe Nature Oasis program helps Chicagoans experience and enjoy the wonder of nature right here in the city. It strives to cultivate environmental awareness andappreciation by offering a wide range of nature-based programs throughout theseasons in locations across the city for all ages.

Programs and events generally take place in parks with unique and compelling nature areas, such as the Humboldt Park Lagoon and South Shore Cultural Center’sNature Sanctuary. Examples of these programs include bird workshops, kayak andcanoe programs, family camping, toddler events such as Toddler, Tunes & Turtles, Stroller Struts, Family Fish Festival, Earth Day Clean-Ups and the winter PolarAdventure Days series. Many of these programs are free with no prior registrationrequired – just show up and have fun. However, some programs do require priorregistration and/or have minimal fees. All of these programs are open to the public.

View a list of these programs in the Urban Naturalist, the quarterly nature newsletterof the Chicago Park District. See page 1 for more information on the UrbanNaturalist. You can also get Nature Oasis program information on our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com • 312.742.PLAY(7529) • 312.747.2001 (TTY) [17]

Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island

Family Kayaking Day at Washington Park

Harvest Gardens at Washington Park

Harvest GardenHarvest Garden gives children ages 8-12 a threeseason in-depth experience with organic vegetablegardening. While the primary goal is to help childrenappreciate nature by giving them a broaderunderstanding of it, the aim is also to incorporateother areas of learning. The children read books,participate in creative writing and visual art activities,and play games.

UNDER ILLINOIS SKIESis for children ages 10-13 who areready for the next level of camping. Thegoal of this program is for children to engage inmore advanced camping skills as well as expose them to camping out in a more remote setting away from thecity. During the program, children will engage in outdooractivities such as archery, canoeing, fishing, and campfirecooking. Campers spend one day at a city park before headingout of Chicago to spend three days and two nights camping out under the stars. This program is offered in July and August. To check dates and locations, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.Register in person at participating parks.

[18] [19]www.chicagoparkdistrict.com • 312.742.PLAY(7529) • 312.747.2001 (TTY)

Urban Campers at Marquette Park

The program is offered after-school hours during the spring and fall (five weekseach) and in the summer through the summer day camp program (eight weeks.)Children learn to plant, maintain, harvest and winterize the garden. They prepareand participate in a variety of gardening activities such as making herbalvinegars, pickles, salsa and soap, craft projects, and music fun. At the end ofthe growing season, participants are invited to the “Harvest Festival” at whichthey exhibit their produce. The day has a real county fair atmosphere and is filledwith live animals, story telling, square dancing, and all sorts of fun and games.

To view a list of parks offering the Harvest Garden program, visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com. For more information or to register, call aHarvest Garden park directly. Online registration is available for select parks.

CampingURBAN CAMPERS is a summer campingprogram for children ages 9-12. The goal of thisprogram is to introduce campers to outdoor skillssuch as tent set-up, fishing and teambuilding.Urban Campers is a week-long experience and runs for a half-day, Monday through Wednesday,and ends with an overnight camping experiencefrom Thursday morning through Friday morning.During the campout, children will cook dinner overthe fire, listen to campfire stories and make s’mores.The five-day program is offered at various parks inlate June, July and August. For a list of parks andweeks offered, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

FishingFew of America’s big cities have fishing as good as we have in Chicago. Nine species will keep you occupied all year; coho & king salmon, perch, brown trout, smallmouth bass, steelhead,carp, catfish and panfish. The variety of waters will also keep it interesting with 11 stocked lagoons, six harbors, 26 miles of beautiful lakefront and five really great spots on the ChicagoRiver for largemouth bass and crappie. Every method of fishingcan be seen in these locations, including spinning, casting, and fly fishing; live bait, lures and flies.

A fishing license is needed to fish in Chicago.For license information visit www.dnr.state.il.us. For Chicago fishing maps and other fishing information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Garfield Park Conservatory Fern Room

Take a stroll in one of the more than 550parks in Chicago and you’re sure toexperience nature, but a number ofChicago Park District facilities specializein putting people in touch with nature ona different level. The following sevenChicago Park District sites offer a uniquegreening experience through theirprograms, facilities and unbelievablenatural surroundings. Come out andexplore, fish, bike, plant and much moreat these havens in the city.

GAR FI E LD PAR K CON S E RVATORY300 N. Central Park Ave. • 312.746.5100 or www.garfieldconservatory.orgOpen daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Wednesdays until 8 p.m.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the nation. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the conservatory occupies approximately 4.5 acres inside and out, where thousands of plant species are on display throughout eight rooms. Travel through the conservatory and experience the lush flora in the Fern Room or Palm House, or discover how plants get energy in the Sugar from the Sun exhibit. Also check out the season’s best floral displays in the Show House. The conservatory was designed by Jens Jensen, renowned landscape architect, in collaboration with Prairie School architects Schmidt, Garden and Martin. The Garfield Park Conservatory is owned and managed by the Chicago Park District. The Garfield Park ConservatoryAlliance is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the funding and development of programs and visitor services at the conservatory.

Paved walkways within natural terrain. The Fern Room is not wheelchair accessible.

MAYOR DALEY’SFISH’N KIDSprogram is open togroups of childrenage 8-18. This freeprogram runs mid-June through Augustat all park lagoonsand six harbors.Prior registration isrequired by calling312.742.4969.

green facilities


FACILITIESACTIVITIES

LEGEND

Walk

Cycle

Fish

Explore

Hike

Plant

Bird Watching

Wheelchair Accessible

Fish’n Kids at DuSable HarborIn July & August, look for fishing alongthe Chicago River at Columbus Drive.

LI NCOLN PAR K CON S E RVATORY2391 N. Stockton Dr. • 312.742.7736Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Discover tropical palms, ancient ferns and splendid orchids at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. In the heart of Lincoln Park, thishistorical facility houses four show rooms capturing botanicalsplendor with plant species from all over the world. The FernRoom’s lush greenery and the Orchid Room’s exotic brillianceconnect visitors to nature amidst the urban jungle. The LincolnPark Conservatory, owned and operated by the Chicago ParkDistrict, was designed by nationally renowned architect of theVictorian Era Joseph Lyman Silsbee in collaboration with architectM.E. Bell. Lincoln Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit volunteerorganization, dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancingthe natural, historical and cultural assets of Lincoln Park, throughadvocacy and the implementation of special projects.

Paved walkways within natural terrain. The Fern Room is not wheelchair accessible.

H U M BOLDT PAR K1400 N. Sacramento Ave. • 312.742.7459Hours at the Nature Classroom in the Boathouse vary. Call the park to confirm.

Located on the city’s west side, Humboldt Park is a large, energetic park.Within this bustling 207 acres lies a serene natural setting, which includes ameandering stream designed in 1906 by Jens Jensen, founder of the Prairie-style of landscape architecture, a large lagoon with a naturalized shoreline,and several smaller ponds and native plantings. The Park District recentlyconducted an ecological restoration of the prairie stream and lagoon in thespirit of Jensen’s design, so what you see today is very similar to the originaldesign. Humboldt Park is an ideal place to enjoy a nature walk, bird-watch,fish, or bike. The park’s lagoon is stocked with bluegill, crappie, greensunfish and a variety of other fish, and home to other aquatic life such as crayfish, dragonflies, turtles, tadpoles, frogs, toads and waterfowl.Additionally, the 1908 Prairie-style boathouse, a Chicago Landmark, is home to a nature classroom and gallery space, and offers programs such as Group Nature Walks and Family Quests.

Paved walkways within natural terrain.

NORTH PAR K VI LLAG E NATU R E CE NTE R5801 N. Pulaski Rd. • 312.744.5472Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Holidays)

North Park Village Nature Center is a 46-acre nature preserve and environmentaleducation facility with trails that wind through woodlands, wetlands, prairies and savannas.The diversity of native plants and animals here gives visitors a glimpse into the naturalhistory of Illinois. Indoors, enjoy interactive displays and a collection of natural objects.Outside, the preserve acts as a living laboratory to study natural processes. Four festivalseach year (spring’s Maple Syrup Fest, summer’s City Wilds, autumn’s Harvest Fest, andthe Winter Solstice Festival) feature seasonal activities. Educational programming isoffered throughout the year for all age groups, from pre-schoolers and families to seniors.In the summer the Chicago Park District offers EcoExplorers, a week-long summer campwhere children discover nature in a safe and supportive environment. The Nature Centerwelcomes volunteers to help with field work, such as planting, weeding and trailmaintenance; lead group field trips; assist during festivals; and more. For the well-being of visitors and the preserve itself, no pets or recreational articles (bikes, skis, etc.) areallowed. Collecting of any materials is prohibited.

Building and portions of the trail system.


Northerly Island Humboldt ParkLincoln Park Conservatory North Park Village Nature Center

NORTH E R LY I S LAN D1400 S. Lynn White Dr. • 312.745.2910 Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Memorial Day through LaborDay, and on weekends throughout the year. It is closed during events atCharter One Pavilion, Soldier Field and McCormick Place.

Northerly Island is a 91-acre peninsula located just south of the AdlerPlanetarium and east of Soldier Field. Today, Northerly Island is dedicated tonature-based and passive recreation activities such as bird watching, fishingand cycling. A central feature of the island is a developing 30-acre prairiegrassland planted in 2004 with 40 native species of prairie grasses andwildflowers. Given its natural setting and proximity to Lake Michigan, NortherlyIsland is home to some of the best fishing and bird watching in Chicago.Additionally, the Chicago Park District hosts birding workshops and specialyear-round nature programs at the site, including the winter Polar AdventureDays series. With wild prairie grasses taking root, a beautiful one mile strollingpath, an amazing view of the city skyline and birds migrating through, we inviteyou to come out and enjoy the emerging world of Northerly Island.

Paved walkways within natural terrain.

Take a free Audio Tour of Humboldt Park! Go to theHumboldt Park page at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com to print out the tour map and download the audio files.

KILBOURN PARK ORGANIC GREENHOUSE3501 N. Kilbourn Avenue • 773.685.3359 or 3351 Open Wednesdays from June-Sept. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays year-round 10 a.m. – Noon

Discover the wonderful world of nature at Kilbourn Park’sOrganic Greenhouse! Spark your curiosity and explore fun & educational offerings at the Chicago Park District’sonly park with a teaching organic greenhouse. Kids canget their hands dirty while participating in the HarvestGarden and Garden Buddies youth programs.Additional activities include toddler programs, variousfamily and adult workshops and environmental-themedprojects and crafts. Each year, Kilbourn Park & OrganicGreenhouse hosts a plant sale in May. The OrganicGreenhouse is always looking for volunteers—includingparents with their children!

The Volunteer Stewardship Program isa community-based volunteer programthat provides hands-on opportunities inecological restoration, land management,monitoring, and education at ChicagoPark District nature areas. Volunteershelp maintain and enhance nature areasby controlling invasive species, plantingand seeding native plants, pruning andmulching trees and shrubs, maintainingnature trails, educating park patrons,

and collecting data on plant, bird,butterfly, and dragonfly species.

The Volunteer Stewardship Program notonly benefits our parks, but alsointroduces park patrons to Illinoisflora, fauna, and natural history,creating a natural connection thathelps foster an environmental ethicin the city of Chicago.

volunteer stewardship


Jackson Park Urban Farm Kilbourn Park & Organic Greenhouse Washington Park

JACKSON PAR K U R BAN FAR MLocated near Cornell Dr. & Marquette Dr. • 773.486.6005 or www.growingpower.orgHours vary, please call 773.486.6005 to confirm.

In 2007 the Chicago Park District partnered with Growing Power, Inc., a non-profit agricultural organization, to start an Urban Farm in Jackson Park. The farmproduces locally grown food that exceeds certified organic standards. There aremany ways to get involved with the Urban Farm. Allotment plots are available forpeople who would like the responsibility of taking on their own garden. Plots areoffered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who would like to work in thegarden but don’t want the commitment of having their own plot can volunteer on a drop-in basis. Workshops are offered throughout the summer for all gardenersor anyone who just wants to learn more about gardening. The farm also serves as a training ground for interns and apprentice farmers. For more information onworkshops, to apply for an allotment plot, or to volunteer, contact the GrowingPower Chicago office at 773.486.6005 or visit www.growingpower.org.

Wheelchair accessible plots.

For more information on volunteer

opportunities within the parks,

visit www.chicagoparkdistict.com

and click on the Volunteering link.

PU R PLE MARTI N LAN DLOR DS The Chicago Park District worked with the Purple Martin Society to construct purplemartin birdhouses in various locations along the Chicago lakefront and train purple martinvolunteers or “landlords” to monitor the houses. Landlords check houses for purplemartin habitation and colony development as well as protect houses from house sparrowand European starling infestation.

VOLU NTE E R MON ITORSThe Chicago Park District is a partner with the Habitat Project, a network of conservationorganizations and volunteers who monitor plants, animals, and ecosystems in the ChicagoWilderness region. Volunteers participate in several monitoring programs including theIllinois Butterfly Monitoring Network, Chicago Wilderness Plants of Concern, BirdConservation Network Census, Dragonfly Monitoring Network, and the Calling FrogSurvey at Chicago Park District nature areas.

Maintaining Parks & Nature AreasThe Chicago Park District is committed to providing well maintained parks andnature areas for the enjoyment of all Chicago residents and visitors. In order topreserve these areas in the most ecologically sound and sustainable manner, thePark District adheres to the following management practices:

NATIVE B IODIVE RS ITY E N HANCE M E NT Native biodiversity refers to the number and varietyof living organisms (plants and animals) that arenative to an area. Greater native plant biodiversityattracts and sustains a greater diversity of nativeanimals, including birds and butterflies.

I NVAS IVE S PECI E S CONTROLAn invasive species is one that reproduces soaggressively that it threatens the survival andsustainability of other species, thus reducingbiodiversity. Both native and non-native plants can become overpopulated in urban nature areas, thereby requiring management.

CONTROLLE D B U R N SPrescribed burns are an ecologically appropriate andsafe management tool used to control the spread ofinvasive plants, reduce ground layer accumulationsof dead plant material, increase sunlight penetrationto the ground, increase soil fertility, encourage seedgermination and promote the sustenance of nativeplant and animal communities.


Legion Park

Ronan Park

Types of Nature Area VolunteersS ITE STEWAR D/CO -STEWAR D A volunteer who has taken a leadership role at a ChicagoPark District nature area. Site stewards perform regularsite visits, act as a liaison between the Chicago ParkDistrict and the community, and lead and organizestewardship workdays.

STEWAR DS H I P WOR KDAY VOLU NTE E R A volunteer who participates at a volunteer stewardshipworkday. Under the direction of a site steward,stewardship volunteers remove invasive plants, collectseeds, build and maintain trails, install native plants, andmulch trees and shrubs.

WI LDLI FE POPU LATION CONTROLWildlife species are managed when they becomeoverpopulated and threaten native biodiversity,cause significant damage to Chicago Park Districtlandscapes and cause dangerous conditions forpeople. The Chicago Park District follows therecommendations of the Chicago WildernessBiodiversity Recovery Plan, as well as theChicago Bird Agenda and the Chicago Natureand Wildlife Plan. The Park District is also a

member of the Chicago Wilderness consortium,an alliance of more than 200 public and privateorganizations that work in partnership toprotect, restore and manage the region’snatural lands and its wild flora and fauna.

NATU RAL LAWN CAR EIf you see dandelions in our parks it’s because the Chicago Park District is limiting the amount of chemicals typically sprayed to control weeds.Regular mowing helps to keep the weeds down,but dandelions grow back quickly. When you seedandelions, know that we are maintaining ourparks naturally, keeping them healthy for you andyour family to enjoy.

For more information on these managementpractices visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Management Practices continued . . .

TH ROW AWAY TRAS H• Put recyclable materials (paper, plastic

and glass containers, and aluminum cans) in the blue recycling containers.

• Put garbage in the green waste containers.

G R I LL SAFE LY• Place hot coals in red cans marked for “coals”.

Do not place coals at the base of a tree as this kills trees, and can be dangerous to unsuspecting people.

• Place your grill on grass (not on sand).

DON’T FE E D WI LDLI FE• Artificial feeding discourages natural wildlife

behavior. Wildlife is better off with a natural diet.

AT TH E B EACHClean beaches mean cleaner water. The ChicagoPark District cleans the beaches daily, but weneed your help to keep them clean. • Do not feed birds on the beach. • Keep your picnic sites tidy and free of trash. • Put all trash in the green waste containers and

put recyclable materials in the blue recycling containers.

• Do not swim if you are not feeling well.• Put infants and toddlers in swim diapers.

Keeping Parks Clean and Safe — You Can Help!When we all pitch in, these small tasks can make a big difference. Spread the word.

• Paper

• Plastic containers

• Glass containers

• Aluminum cans

• Everything else


City of ChicagoRichard M. Daley, Mayor

Chicago Park District Board of CommissionersGery J. Chico, PresidentBob Pickens, Vice PresidentDr. Margaret T. BurroughsM. Laird KoldykeReverend Daniel Matos-RealRouhy J. Shalabi

Timothy J. Mitchell,General Superintendent & CEO

This brochure was printed on paper that is made of 100% post-consumerrecycled fiber, with eco-friendly inks.

2008-100K

For more information about your Chicago Park District, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY).North Park Village Nature Center

Not all parks are featured on this map. Only those with facilities are included.

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Nature in the City of Chicago

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