This is a DRAFT of the info. being prepared for the Chicago birding trail map.  Double-check the information,
including the driving directions, for any unfamiliar sites.

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52. LAKE RENWICK HERON ROOKERY NATURE PRESERVE

Lake Renwick is one of the principal heron rookeries in the region.  The preserve includes a 200-acre lake with several small islands.  Nesting birds include Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Double-crested Cormorants.  Cattle Egrets have nested sporadically.  Other birds such as ducks, American White Pelicans, gulls, and terns use the site during migration.

Address: 23144 West Renwick Road, Plainfield, 60544

Directions: From I-55, take Lincoln Hwy (U.S. 30) northwest toward Aurora. Either turn right at Renwick Road to reach the visitor’s center or continue on Route 30 to a parking area that provides a view of the rookery.

Hours: Parking open sunrise to sunset year-round. Access to the preserve varies based on season; call for hours of operation.

Telephone: (815) 727.8700.

Website: www.fpdwc.org/renwick.cfm 

Best months for viewing: March through November.

Organized bird walks: Weekly walks available; call for the schedule.

Accessibility: Handicapped accessible.  The trail to the rookery-viewing platform is 0.5 mile.

Amenities: Staffed visitor’s center with restrooms; spotting scopes.

53. PILCHER PARK

Situated on the northern bank of Hickory Creek in Joliet, Pilcher Park’s extensive forest is an excellent place for many kinds of migrants.  This habitat also draws such breeders as Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Acadian Flycatcher.  In winter, the visitor’s center’s bird feeding station attracts Tufted Titmouse and winter finches.

Address:  2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet, 60432

Directions: From I-80, exit Briggs Street and travel north.  Turn right (east) at Cass Street (Route 30) and continue to Highland Park Drive; turn left (north).  Look for signs for the Nature Center.

Telephone: (815)741-7277.

Website: www.jolietpark.org/facilities/pilcherpark.shtml

Best months for viewing: April through September.

Accessibility: Handicapped accessible Nature Center and 1 mile of trail.

Amenities: Staffed nature center with bird feeding station, live animal exhibits, and restrooms.

54. GOOSE LAKE PRAIRIE – IBA

Goose Lake Prairie is the largest tall-grass prairie east of the Mississippi River and supports large populations of grassland birds.  Perhaps foremost among these is the Henslow’s Sparrow, conspicuous in summer throughout the main trail system.  Neighbors have included American Bittern, Northern Harrier, King Rail, and Grasshopper Sparrow.  Heidecke Lake borders the prairie on the northwest and can hold waterfowl, hawks, eagle, gulls, and terns in migration and winter.  Address: 5010 North Jugtown Road, Morris, 60450

Directions: From I-55 in Grundy County, travel west on Lorenzo Road/Pine Bluff Road for 7.5 miles. Turn right (north) on Jugtown Road to park headquarters.  Heidecke Lake can be viewed in the winter by taking Dresden Road north from Lorenzo Road, approximately 4 miles east of I-55.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset;  Visitor’s Center 10 am to 4 pm daily; closed in winter during weekends

Telephone: (815) 942.2899.

Website: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks

Best months for viewing: April through November

Accessibility: Handicapped accessible nature center and one trail.

Amenities: Staffed visitor’s center with restrooms and exhibits.

55. MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE – IBA

Midewin, the first national tallgrass prairie, is the decommissioned Joliet Army Arsenal and, with 19,000 acres in all, the largest tract of publicly owned land in the Chicago area.  While the restoration work continues, access may be limited but many trails are in place to provide birders with excellent viewing opportunities.  Northern Mockingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Dickcissel, and Upland Sandpiper are all conspicuous from the primary trails.  Hunting for deer and turkey is allowed, but birders can still access the area during those times.  Address: 30239 South State Route 53, Wilmington, 60481

Directions: From I-80, take Exit 132, Route 53 and Chicago Street.  At the end of the ramp (both eastbound and westbound), turn right (south).  Travel south on Route 53, also known as Historic Route 66, for approximately 15 miles—past the race tracks, the town of Elwood, and Prairie Creek grain company.  The main entrance is on the left (east) side of the highway.

Hours: Trails open sunrise to sunset; Welcome Center open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays; 8:00 am to 7:00 pm weekends

Telephone: (815).423-6370

Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/mntp/

Best months for viewing: April through September

Organized bird walks: Check website or call for bird walk schedule.

Entrance fee: None for trails mentioned above.  $3.00 for tours.

Accessibility: Some areas can be birded from the road; all trails are grass.

Amenities: U.S. Forest Service Headquarters Welcome Center with exhibits and restrooms; portable toilets on the trails.