Rock Run Rookery: Where water is at the forefront

_{|  Story by Meghan McMahon |}

_10/9/2024

Tucked into an industrial area between Joliet and Channahon, Rock Run Rookery Preserve is something of a juxtaposition. On your visit, you’ll see and hear the trucks and trains that power the local economy in the distance, but you can also enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at the same time.

The preserve protects 224 acres and was acquired between 2002 and 2011. It is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,450 acres.

The preserve has two lakes, and they were created and used for quarrying activities before being acquired by the Forest Preserve. The smaller lake, toward the front of the preserve as you enter, is 13 acres. The larger lake, which includes a boat launch, is 84 acres.

Most preserves are at their most crowded in the summer or on those pleasant spring and fall days that are just too nice to spend indoors. At Rock Run Rookery, though, you’ll likely find the biggest crowds in the winter. Why? Because it’s one of the most popular places in the area for seeing bald eagles in winter.

One reason the preserve is a hotspot for bald eagles each winter is its proximity to the Des Plaines River, which runs along the preserve’s east side. The river doesn’t freeze over in the winter like other waterways often do, creating a perfect hunting ground for eagles looking for fish to feast on.

On a winter day, you can often see bald eagles soaring over the lakes at the preserve and over the Des Plaines. You’re also likely to see them perched in the trees on the islands and along the shore, sometimes several per tree.

Several small islands exist within the lakes. Those islands function as rookeries, or breeding colonies, for some of our local waterfowl species. During the summer breeding and nesting season, the islands are rife with activity.

Another thing you might notice a lot of at Rock Run Rookery is litter along the shoreline. All that litter isn’t a sign of lack of upkeep or even disrespectful preserve visitors. It’s the result of how the lakes were designed.

Years ago, when the lakes were still being used for quarrying, a channel was created to connect the larger lake to the adjacent Des Plaines River. That channel still exists today, and it allows litter from wastewater treatment plants and other sources to flow into the preserve lake and make their way to the shoreline.

The Forest Preserve occasionally hosts volunteer workdays at Rock Run Rookery Preserve to both clean up the shoreline and educate people about how the litter makes it way to the preserve. 

Wildlife and habitats

Rock Run Rookery protects forest and wetland habitats, and the flora and fauna found there are representative of those habitats. The bald eagles are certainly the main attraction, but they are mainly a winter highlight. You can’t rule out an eagle sighting at other times of the year, but winter is the season when you are much more likely to see them.In late spring and summer, the rookery islands are bustling, home to countless double-crested cormorant, great blue heron and great egret nests. Great egrets, in particular, often appear plentiful, with their white plumage easily visible in the trees from a distance, sometimes too many to count. If you stop to get a good look, you’ll see the cormorants and egrets on the islands too.

On the water, you’ll see plenty of other waterfowl species. As they do almost anyplace with water nearby, Canada geese often populate the shoreline. You can also see gulls diving down to catch a meal and ducks bobbing up and down in the lakes. In the spring and fall, you might catch a glimpse of American white pelicans making a pitstop at Rock Run Rookery. They typically pass through between late March and early May and again from early September into November. Look for them on the larger lake, where they often gather at the back end, tucked into the islands.

Recreation opportunities

The lakes at Rock Run Rookery Preserve are a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly anglers and paddlers.

The preserve is one of the Forest Preserve’s premier fishing destinations, with anglers seen along the shore and out on the water throughout the year as the weather allows. Shoreline fishing is permitted at both lakes, and small fishing boats (trolling motor only) can be launched from the boat launch on the larger lake.

Among the fish species in the lakes are bluegill, channel catfish, black and hybrid crappie, largemouth bass and sauger. All state fishing regulations apply for any fishing in the forest preserves, and catch-and-release fishing is encouraged.

Fishing boats aren’t the only watercraft you’ll see out on the larger lake on nice days. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities at the preserve, and no launch pass is required to use the preserve’s boat launch.

Paddlers and boaters have free reign of the lakes except for a portion close to the rookery island that is marked by buoys as being off limits. You can also connect to the Des Plaines River from the larger of the two lakes.

The preserve is home to a short, 0.41-mile paved trail that takes visitors to a wooden bridge and platform spanning the spot where the rookery lake connects to the Des Plaines River. The bridge and platform provide additional spots for anglers to cast a line and also offer a nice view of the water.

Rock Run Rookery has one picnic shelter that is available to rent. It has a capacity of 100 people.

_{(Lead image by Chad Merda)}