Happy early spring – the perfect time to look for early migrants as well as join Lake/Cook Chapter’s continuing efforts to help Lake Forest Open Lands restore the property formerly known as Westleigh Meadow.
We’ll meet at Carruthers Nature Preserve at 7:30 am and start with a bird walk at West Skokie Nature Preserve directly across the street. This is an ongoing restoration that began 25 years ago and now boasts excellent pollinator prairie plants, hopefully beginning to leaf out for summer blooming. The endangered Rusty-patched Bumblebee has been spotted here, and last year the Eastern Bluebirds occupied nesting boxes by mid-April. Time permitting, we will finish with our walk on the new boardwalk at Carruthers, checking the pond for any waterfowl/wading birds.
Then we’ll participate in a restoration workday at Carruthers from 10-12. Work at this property began several years ago and has included removal of acres of buckthorn and other woody invasive species, seed collection, and enhancement of the current native herbaceous species. Join in – no experience required.
Directions: From Waukegan Rd (Rt 43), turn east on Westleigh Rd. and drive 1/8 mile to Wallace Rd – then turn north to Carruthers Nature Preserve. From Rt 41, turn west on Westleigh Rd. and drive 1/4 mile to Wallace Rd – then turn north to Carruthers Nature Preserve. Park along the street on Wallace Road.
Leader: Maureen Marsh 352-317-5130
Please register for the bird walk and/or field trip here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.