West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council (PAC)
West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council (PAC)
Chicago Park District
Chicago Park District
Mark Your Calendars: Family Nature Day
Saturday, June 24, 11 AM - 2 PM
At the Preserve
Mark Your Calendars: Family Nature Day
Saturday, June 24, 11 AM - 2 PM
At the Preserve
Next PAC Meeting: Thursday, July 13, 7 PM
At Green Briar Park
Next PAC Meeting: Thursday, July 13, 7 PM
At Green Briar Park
We Strive to Protect and Enhance
The Native Biodiversity of the Preserve
For People and Wildlife
We Strive to Protect and Enhance
The Native Biodiversity of the Preserve
For People and Wildlife
Our Members and Volunteers
Advocate, Educate, and Work
Our Members and Volunteers
Advocate, Educate, and Work
What Is the West Ridge Nature Preserve?
What Is the West Ridge Nature Preserve?
Who knew such a jewel, undeveloped for 100 years, existed close to the busy intersection of Peterson and Western Avenues? Local residents have long seen it as a secret wilderness, that's who. They slipped in and out of the 20 acres of woods surrounding a 4-acre pond to watch hawks, herons and fox, spotting the occasional wood duck or coyote.
A decade ago plans were in the works to convert this wilderness into a retail area. In 2005, a congressional earmark funded the acquisition of this land from Rosehill Cemetery. The acquired land was transferred to the Chicago Park District in 2011. The park district's renovation has transformed this wilderness into the West Ridge Nature Preserve, an oasis of native flora and fauna.
The Mayor's Nature and Wildlife Advisory Committee declared "The site is important both for the conservation of biodiversity, in particular native birds, and also as a place for urban residents to experience nature. The pond and surrounding woodland are truly special for the feeling they give of a sanctuary from the busyness of city life".
We are grateful to President Barack Obama, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Patrick O'Connor for preserving this special place for Chicagoans.
Be Responsible, Respectful Stewards
Be Responsible, Respectful Stewards
Please, to protect new plantings and encourage migrating birds to return, stay on the paths and leave your dogs at home. The Chicago Park District signs in the preserve clearly state these official preserve rules.
Look for PAC Events
Look for PAC Events
New Opportunity
New Opportunity
Our Citizen Science Center began this spring. We need you! To make a significant contribution, join our volunteer team of wild life monitors. In progress: Frog and toad monitoring. We will help you learn what you need to know to bemoan a citizen scientist.
Information collected from citizen scientist become part of an area wide data base that helps protect essential native species.
Featured in June
Featured in June
Bird Walk
Kids Fishing Clinics
Sound Walk
Frog Monitoring
Family Nature Day
See Events & Activities page.
Park Advisory Council Preserve Location (walk-in entrance on Ardmore; hours: sunrise to sunset)
Park Advisory Council Preserve Location (walk-in entrance on Ardmore; hours: sunrise to sunset)
Watching over the process is the West Ridge Nature Preserve Park Advisory Council (PAC). We are working with the Park District to enhance the preserve, making it accessible to us humans, including those who are physically challenged, while protecting this precious bit of ‘wilderness’ as a refuge for the wildlife that has found a home here.
The PAC meets at 7pm on the
second Thursday of odd-numbered months
at Green Briar Park, 2650 W. Peterson Ave.
All are welcome!
West Ridge Nature Preserve Entrance Gate
