Location:
9625 S. Longwood Dr.
Chicago, IL 60643
Located Within:
Ridge Wetlands Park
Features:
Wetland, Woodland
Hours Notes
Natural areas are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Description
Located in the Beverly community, Ridge Park Wetlands Natural Area is an approximately one-acre tract of native wetland. This serene patch of wetland provides an island of habitat for wildlife in the city. Explore this unique habitat from a boardwalk and mulched trails, allowing visitors to take in views of wetland plants and wildlife.
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 Chicago Park District acquired this low, wooded wetland site in 1992 in order to save it from destruction. Metra, the commuter rail service, had purchased the property in 1988, with the intent to pave it for parking. The Park District stepped in after a concerned neighborhood group, the Beverly Open Space Committee, requested that the valuable wetlands area be set aside as parkland. Officially named Ridge Park Wetlands in 1998, the wetlands shares its name with Ridge Park, located less than a block away.