The Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve includes 250 acres of grassland, savanna and forest accessible via the interim trail, including a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
The Route:
We'll begin at the parking lot, take the trail snaking through the prairie to the bluff, look for grassland birds along the way. Then we'll look for migrating shorebirds, gulls, and terns passing at eye level along the bluff, stop at a pond where General Patton is said to have fished, and head north into forested land. We will finish the walk on the ravine loop looking for the Orioles, Kingbirds and Woodpeckers.
What We Will See:
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We have spotted Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah and Song Sparrows, and Rough-winged Swallows hanging out on the prairie; Orchard Orioles and Eastern Kingbirds on the adjacent savannah loop; and Great Blue Herons, Caspian Terns and Red-tailed Hawks overhead. There should be Red-headed Woodpeckers and many resident species nearby as well.
Meet at the parking lot and bring binoculars, water, sun protection and bug spray. There are mowed trails but ground is uneven in spots. Sturdy shoes required and long pants recommended. Rain or shine.
Why Last Chance?
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With the Lake County Forest Board decision to seek bids to design, develop and operate a golf course on this property, this may be the final walk here before the grassland habitat is converted into a mowed golf course with limited public access.
Take this opportunity to explore Chicago area's largest undeveloped tract of publicly accessible land on Lake Michigan. It may be the last time.
The field trip is organized by the Lake Cook Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society.
