Location Index

Ruth Macintyre Conservation Area

Local suburban conservation area surrounded by residential development. Includes a 5-acre pond, adjoining creek, prairie grasslands, and nearby wooded thickets.

Total Visits: 707; 2026 Visits: 8

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Backyard and Home

A Chicago suburban residential yard setting, planted heavily with native plant species. Some cultivars and nonnatives present as well.

Total Visits: 384; 2026 Visits: 1

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The habitat at this center run by the Cook County Forest Preserves is spectacular. I have become a regular volunteer at this center, giving back to the planet through stewardship, engagement, and education.

Total Visits: 91; 2026 Visits: 2

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Oak Hollow Conservation Area

Local conservation area with a prairie, small pond, marsh, and lots of wooded areas.

Total Visits: 72; 2026 Visits: 1

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Busse Woods

Elk Pasture at Busse Woods is my Illinois Butterfly Monitors Network route. My walk is one way, so I frequently bird walking back. On the other side of Higgins Rd is the recreational lake system where I find waterfowl during migration and glorious fall colors.

Total Visits: 20; 2026 Visits: 3

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Horizon Farm Forest Preserve

Horizon Farm is a great habitat for grassland bird species and also homes a small pond for waterfowl and swallows.

Total Visits: 20; 2026 Visits: 5

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Campanelli Park

Park with pond, creek, native forbs, along with baseball fields and playground, maintained by the local park district.

Total Visits: 17; 2026 Visits: 0

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Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary

I don't visit the nature center often because dogs are not allowed (for good reason, of course). However, I am going to try to make an effort to visit every now and then.

Total Visits: 1; 2026 Visits: 0

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