Location:
3100 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Located Within:
Legion Park
Features:
Prairie, Wetland, ADA Path
Is Accessible
Note:
Paved trails run through the natural area.
Hours Notes
Natural areas are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Description
Legion Park Natural Area features over nine acres of native prairie and riparian habitat, located between the North Branch of the Chicago River and the North Shore Channel Trail within Legion Park in the West Ridge community. This natural area is situated just off a popular multiuse trail which traces the river and leads visitors past other nearby natural areas at River and Ronan Parks. Mulch paths within the prairie habitat offer additional opportunities to get up close to nature.
Starting in 2024, select weedy, invasive, and/or unhealthy trees will be removed at Ronan, Kiwanis, and Legion Parks. Species include European buckthorn, tree of heaven, white mulberry, and boxelder. This work is part of 2024–2025 park improvement projects at each park that include pathway improvements, stabilization of the riverbank shoreline, and habitat improvements. Following removals, native trees and shrubs will be planted and the areas will be seeded with native wildflowers and grasses. Additional native non-woody grasses and flowers will be planted in the spring with the goal of improving each of the parks’ native biodiversity, habitat, riverbank stability, and long-term sustainability.
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.