We work to protect wildlife, especially threatened or endangered species, in our preserves. You can enjoy the viewing of this wildlife at a number of our preserves.
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, in Plainfield, is one of the premier rookeries in northern Illinois. During the breeding season, hundreds of pairs of nesting cormorants, great egrets, great blue herons, and cattle egrets raise their young. A few state-endangered black-crowned night herons can also be found on artificial islands in the middle of a man-made lake.
Public programs, open to all ages and free of charge, are available every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon, and every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., from May through mid-August. Will County Audubon volunteers host these programs, providing insights on the history of Lake Renwick as a rookery and the natural history of the bird species that nest here. Viewing scopes offer close-up looks at the hatchlings as they grow during the summer months.
A different view into Lake Renwick, open year-round, is available at Copley Nature Park, on Route 30 in Plainfield. This small preserve offers parking and a short walk to a gazebo where a viewing scope is available.
During the spring and fall, Migratory Bird Walk programs are provided at Lake Renwick. This preserve is a popular stopover spot for migrating birds, providing a place for them to feed and rest, and different species can be seen at each of these programs.
Wildlife observation decks are available at Rock Run Greenway - I&M Canal Access, McKinley Woods, and Whalon Lake. The deck at I&M Canal Access is located beside a pond where beaver and foraging birds can be seen. The deck at McKinley Woods overlooks the Des Plaines River, and the deck at Whalon Lake overlooks a wetland restoration.
Other popular wildlife observation sites are at Goodenow Grove, where a nature trail leads visitors to a pond teeming with aquatic creatures, and at Monee Reservoir, where a wetland area attracts a variety of birds.
Photograph Courtesy of Joe Wittenkeller
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Wildlife Viewing
