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What's to do?
Prospect Heights Slough
Hike the nature trails & explore nature up close and personal
Bird watching
Bike around the Slough
Fishing
Enjoy the observation deck at Isaak Walton Park
Hillcrest Lake
Walk or bike around the lake
Bird Watching
Fishing
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The Nature Preserve
Formerly a degraded 2 acre site, the Nature Preserve was an impenetrable infestation of invasive buckthorn that supported no wildlife, was of no ecological value and not accessible to residents. Funded by a generous grant from Commonwealth Edison and matched by the City of Prospect Heights and the Park District, the work was executed by the Natural Resources Commission, its amazing volunteer base and the Boy Scout Troop 468. Owned by the Park District, the restoration effort has led to the interactive nature preserve you see here today.
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What's to do?
Hike the nature trails & explore nature up close and personal
Interpretative signage
Bird watching
Creek walk
Summer nature camp
Story walk
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The ComEd Prairie Conversion
The ComEd prairie conversion was part of the original grant from Commonwealth Edison in 2014 that also funded the startup restoration at the Slough. The project converted the 5 acre site from mowed turf grass into the rich bio-diverse prairie that it is today. The prairie is owned by ComEd and is part of a lease agreement between ComEd and the Park District that includes the Prospect Heights bike path.
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The ComEd Prairie Conversion
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What's to do?
5 Acres of converted prairie habitat restoration
Hike the nature trail & explore nature up close and personal
Observe thousands of pollinators
Bird watching
Easy access from the Prospect Heights bike path
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Tully Park
Tully Park is a secluded, 2 acre, land-locked neighborhood park that has been converted into a splendid natural area. Owned by the Park District, the project was turned over to the Tully Park residents to manage and maintain. The results speak for themselves.
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What's to do?
Walk the creek
Explore nature up close and personal
Observe thousands of pollinators
Bird watching
Open play lot in the middle
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Heron Pond
Heron Pond is a remote, 2 acre site that is adjacent to Walnut Woods and bisected by MacDonald Creek. Founded by the visionary Dr. Wurtz, Walnut Woods and Heron Pond are owned by the Park District. The project is in the early phases of restoration and is managed by the Natural Resources Commission. The pond and the adjacent Walnut Woods offer unique and nearly magical experiences.
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What's to do?
Hike the nature trail & explore nature up close and personal
Observe thousands of pollinators
Bird watching
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The Remnant Prairie
The Remnant Prairie is a slice of naturally occurring prairie. Owned by ComEd, leased by the Park District and maintained by the Natural Resources Commission, this site serves as reminder of what the Prairie State used to look like.
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What's to do?
7 Acres of remnant prairie habitat
Explore nature up close and personal
Observe thousands of pollinators and native plant species
Bird watching & chorus fogs
Easy access from the Prospect Heights bike path
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The Remnant Sedge Meadow
The Remnant Sedge Meadow is a slice of naturally occurring sedge meadow. Owned by ComEd, leased by the Park District and maintained by the Natural Resources Commission, this site serves as reminder of what parts of Illinois used to look like.
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What's to do?
5 Acres of remnant sedge meadow
Explore nature up close and personal
Observe thousands of pollinators and native sedge and rush species
Bird watching
Easy access from the Prospect Heights bike path
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Since the onset of the coronavirus, we have we have seen a 100% increase of small groups, couples, families or siblings out walking, biking, running, talking and genuinely enjoying each other's company in the natural areas and the immediate adjacent roads that surround. Wouldn't it be something if the one possible silver lining in this most challenging of times was that people rediscover the beauty and meaning of personal, human contact? Let's Make Civilization Great Again!
Please, please, please remember to follow the simple but effective guidelines for Social Distancing when visiting our natural areas. Do not congregate. Limit group size to 3 or less, unless you are a family. Make sure you maintain 6 feet of distance between you and the next person unless you have been quarantined with them for at least 14 days. If you feel sick, STAY HOME. We have to be in this all together, please do your part to keep everyone safe.
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