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Lake Renwick Preserve - Heron Rookery Nature Preserve

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is "By far the most valuable rookery in all of Illinois... a site of outstanding statewide significance," according to the Illinois Audubon Society. The 320-acre site was acquired beginning in 1989 and dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1992 to protect the breeding and foraging habitat for five species of then-endangered or threatened birds. Today, only one of the bird species remains endangered.Lake Renwick Bird Viewing by AJ Bonny

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery is a unique site in Illinois where great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, and cattle egrets nest together. The site includes a 200-acre lake with several small islands used for nesting. Because of these sensitive natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve.

During the breeding season (March through mid-August), the preserve is closed to the public, except for public bird viewing programs, which are offered May 1 through August 15 every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon and on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Spotting scopes are available to provide visitors with a bird's eye view of the herons and egrets building nests, feeding and caring for their young, and searching for food.

The islands of Lake Renwick are the nursery for thousands of nesting birds. Raptors, ducks, and songbirds also use the preserve as an oasis along their seasonal migration routes. District staff monitor the preserve to ensure that the islands and lake remain ideal for the birds.
Nesting Islands in Lake Renwick by Amanda Olczewski
Photographs Courtesy of AJ Bonny and Amanda Olczewski
Location
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is located at 23144 W. Renwick Road, 0.5-mile east of Route 30 (Plainfield Road), in
Plainfield.

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For Information
815.727.8700
Hours
August 16 - February:
8:00 a.m. - Sunset

The Preserve is closed from March through August 15 due to breeding activity by sensitive bird species on the site, unless a public program is being offered.
Recreational Activities
Biking
Cross-Country Skiing
Hiking/Running
Wildlife Viewing
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Lake Renwick Brochure
Lake Renwick Preserve Map
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Copyright © 2012 The Forest Preserve District of Will County
17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433
815.727.8700 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Weekdays
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