Nature Areas
Burnham Prairie Path (formerly called the Bunrham Park 47th Street Nature Area)
Directions:The Burnham Prairie Path is located at 47th Street and Lake Shore Drive in Burnham Park, west of Lake Shore Drive. When coming from Lake Shore Drive, take the 47th street exit westbound. Turn right into the parking lot to your right. The nature path starts at the north end of this parking lot.
(map)
Description:
In 1998 the Chicago Park District began nature area improvements at the one-acre site at 47th Street in Burnham Park. Improvements included rehabilitation and enhancement of the wooded edge, the creation of a butterfly meadow, and the creation of a new prairie. A path winds through the butterfly meadow to the prairie, along the woodland edge. Prairie wildflowers bloom through spring, summer, and fall, providing color and beauty to the landscape. The prairie contains many species of native grasses and wildflowers, including cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), lIttle bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), bee balm (Monarda fistulosa), butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and many others. The woodland edge supports species such as cottonwood (Populus species), white ash (Fraxinus americana), and serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). These plants are native to the Chicago region and are important sources of food and cover for birds, caterpillars and butterflies, and many other species of wildlife.
In 2001, a new boardwalk addition was installed. In 2002, three and a half acres of new prairie and savanna plantings and seedings were planted in the remaining turf area. In the same year, a new segment of pathway and boardwalk were also added.
Chicago Park District
Department of Natural Resources
February 2002