Location:
5801 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Located Within:
West Ridge Nature Park
Features:
Lagoon, Prairie, Savanna, Wetland, Woodland
Is Accessible
Note:
Paved paths and boardwalks loop the natural area.
Hours Notes
Natural areas are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Description
West Ridge Natural Area contains over 20 acres of woodland, wetland, and lagoon habitat. This natural area offers meandering pathways through the restored woodland, savanna, and wetland habitats. An elevated overlook provides spectacular views of the natural area’s native flora and fauna.
In addition to maintenance conducted by the park district, West Ridge 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 21-acre park lies at the northwest corner of Rosehill Cemetery. One of Chicago’s oldest burial grounds, Rosehill Cemetery was dedicated in 1859. Landscape gardener William Saunders, a national leader in the Rural Cemetery Movement, created Rosehill Cemetery’s original design which included curving drives, swaths of lawn, and several water features. Through the cemetery’s history, the area at the northwest corner included a pond. Until its recent conversion to parkland, however, the 21 plus acre site remained an undeveloped part of the cemetery that had never been used for burials. That heavily wooded corner had been used as a dumping ground for excess dirt and debris.
After acquiring the site in 2012 from the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District hired Hitchcock Design Group to create a plan that combines ecological restoration goals with park enhancements. The improvements included a multi-purpose trail that loops throughout the park, boardwalks that cross over environmentally sensitive areas, removal of invasive plants, the addition of more than 500 native trees and shrubs, overlooks and fishing access points. The multi-million-dollar project was funded through a combination of federal grants, TIF funds, and Chicago Park District funding. The site was named West Ridge Nature Park in 2015.
Advisory Council
Contact:
JIm Hanna, President
Email:
info@westridgenaturepark.com
Meeting Details:
2nd Thursday of odd months at 7:30pm at Green Briar Park