Big Marsh Natural Area

Big Marsh is the largest park district wetland complex in the Calumet Region. A water control structure was installed in 2015 to control water levels and establish hemi-marsh conditions. The water control structure, along with removal of invasive species, has resulted in the reemergence of the bird population at Big Marsh. Birds are coming back in abundance, including a pair of yellow headed blackbirds, a species which had not been observed at Big Marsh for more than twenty years.

Big Marsh is also the home of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center (FCEC), featuring classroom spaces open to school and community groups and an informational exhibit depicting the history of the southeast side natural areas.

Help keep wildlife wild, safe, and healthy by following posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations. For questions regarding Chicago Park District Natural Areas, email nature@chicagoparkdistrict.com.