Location:
4050 North Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634
Located Within:
Park No. 601 - "Dunning Read Natural Area"
Features:
Marsh, Prairie, Savanna, Wetland
Hours Notes
Natural areas are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Description
Park No. 601 Natural Area, often known as "Dunning Read Conservation Area" or "Dunning Read Natural Area," is a 20-acre park in the Dunning community in northwest Chicago. Comprising prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, the park has approximately one mile of mulch trails and two gathering spaces. The natural area is a popular location for birding and supports a vibrant community of native plants.
In addition to maintenance conducted by the park district, Park No. 601 Natural Area benefits from the dedication and hard work of volunteers who collect and scatter native seed, plant native species, pick up trash, monitor vegetation and birds, and remove invasive species. Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting our Community Stewardship Program page.
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.
History
The land at Park 601 was once part of a vast expanse of prairie land, abundant with native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges. Following European settlement, the area was drained, the prairie sod destroyed, and the site was farmed for many years. After the construction of the state-operated Chicago Read Mental Health Center in 1970, farming stopped and the land began to be reclaimed by nature.
In 2005, the State of Illinois formally protected the site, calling it the "Dunning Read Conservation Area". Management of the site for the purposes of native prairie, wetland, and savanna planting/restoration has continued since then. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources granted the Chicago Park District a conservation easement for the site in 2022.
Advisory Council
Contact:
Brian Stevens, President
Email:
bstev3616@comcast.net
Meeting Details:
2nd Wednesday of the month 6pm at the Dunning Library.
Map & Facilities
Park No. 601 - "Dunning Read Natural Area"
4050 North Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634
United States
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