Beaubien Woods is located along the Calumet River on the south border of Chicago. At the time of settlement it was best described as a mosaic of sand prairie, marsh, and savanna. The main work area consists of remnant marsh and former prairie. The marsh has been invaded by wetland plants that need to be reduced or removed to improve the natural plant communities there. The former prairie has had anthropogenic disturbance and activities there will revolve around removal of non-native brush.

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Rich with native plants and animals, Somme Woods East is part of the visionary Next Century Conservation Plan to ensure that thousands of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands and prairies continue to exist and thrive in our forest preserves.

This uncommon woodland community encompasses wet savanna, degraded marsh, and mature floodplain woods, and is dominated by swamp white oaks. Plants such as swamp saxifrage, blue flag iris, and bluejoint grass are indicators the wetness of this site. In the more mesic woodland along the river bluff, one finds plants with such picturesqe names as zig-zag goldenrod, wild geranium, wood reed, bottlebrush grass and golden alexanders. Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Register here!

Blue Star Woods is a 20 acre site of high quality woods that includes a popular picnic area. Activities will include thinning of occasional buckthorn and other invasive trees and stormwater management. Volunteers will seed areas to stop erosion and allow oak and shrub reproduction.

Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Register here!

How "green" is your lawn?  Want to learn more about conserving water during landscaping?  Join us!

Forest Glen is part of the Lower North Branch Preserves, and brand new to volunteer stewardship.  This unique woodland, savanna, and floodplain ecosystem needs help from our volunteer community to remove invasive plants, collect and distribute native seeds, and reduce erosion issues.

Register here!

Rich with native plants and animals, Somme Woods East is part of the visionary Next Century Conservation Plan to ensure that thousands of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands and prairies continue to exist and thrive in our forest preserves. 

From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help! 

From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help!