One of the top migrant hotspots in the northern suburbs, this Cook County forest preserve boasts the extensive woodland trails and a shoreline by the restored lagoons that attract virtually every species of warbler seen in the Chicago region as well as migrating thrushes, flycatchers, vireos and more. Ospreys nesting on the west side of the preserve should also be present, along with multiple waterbird species and flyover raptors.
Waterproof shoes are advisable in case the woods along the lagoons shoreline are wet.
Directions: Meet at the Willow Rd. entrance just east of the Edens Expressway (the sign says Erickson Woods). From the north, take the Edens southbound and exit at Tower Road. Turn left (south) on the Frontage road to Willow Road. Turn left (east) on Willow and cross over the Edens to the Erickson Woods entrance. Park at the north end of the parking lot.
Leader: Jeff Bilsky 801-842-4013
Please register for the Skokie Lagoons 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.
This Cook County forest preserve has a rich mix of woodland, wetland and prairie habitat, offering ample opportunities to see a variety of both migrating and resident birds. Possible sightings range from warblers, vireos and other passerines to rails, waterfowl and Black-crowned Night Heron. Note that trails are unpaved and can be muddy depending on weather.
Directions: Crabtree is located at 3 Stover Road in Barrington. Take Willow Rd./Palatine Rd. west, turn north into preserve (Stover Rd.) one mile west of Barrington Rd. Meet in the main parking lot. NOTE: The gates don’t open until 8:00 am so park in the lot across the street if you’re early.
Leader: Dan Ellig 224-456-8011
Please register for the Crabtree Nature Center 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.
NEW! Horizon Farm, a former equestrian estate, is one of Cook County’s newest forest preserves and a welcome addition to the scarce grassland habitat in the Chicagoland area. The property covers nearly 400 acres and features meadows, wetlands and small streams as well as open habitat for grassland species including Bobolink (as many as 20 were counted here in late May last year) as well as Henslow’s Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark and more.
Directions: Horizon Farm is located at Old Sutton Rd., south of Otis Rd. From the north suburbs, take Lake Cook Road to N. Quentin Rd., Turn south (left) on Quentin, drive 1.1 mile to Dundee and turn west (right). Drive 5 miles and turn southwest (left) on IL-59 on 1.4 miles, turn west (right) on Algonquin Rd, Il-62, 1.0 miles, and then north (right) on Old Sutton Rd., 0.8 miles. Enter the forest preserve and proceed to the parking lot by the barn (see Google maps pin above).
Leader: Kerry Swift 847-323-6878
Please register for the Horizon Farm 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