Event recap: Attendees of the Heron and Wildlife Walk at Watersmeet Woods were treated to close-up views of nesting Great Blue Herons and their chicks, prairie vistas, crayfish burrows, a Red-Tailed Hawk, and nesting Northern Flickers feeding their chicks.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. rain or shine!
Price: FREE!
Duration: 2 – 3 hours (depending on distance)
Distance: Your choice of 1 mile or 3 miles
All ages welcome!
Join us on a guided tour of the hidden gem that is Watersmeet Woods. This 160 acre complex of wet prairie, savanna, and floodplain has been a regular nesting site for various birds-of-prey, woodcocks, and turtles. In recent years, this has also been the site of a great blue heron rookery, and we hope to catch a glimpse of the chicks before they leave the nest. Along the way, we’ll highlight turtle habitat restoration and other stewardship efforts of volunteers with the North Branch Restoration Project, who have managed this site since the 1990’s. Discover the suite of unusual plant communities that support the abundance of wildlife found at Watersmeet Woods.
The first leg of the hike (approximately .5 mile) will be on a paved trail. Participants may choose to turn back at this point, or continue on the rest of the hike on unimproved paths. Binoculars will be available for use during the walk. We will provide refills for water, but please bring a reusable water bottle to carry on the hike. Dress for the weather and potentially muddy conditions, and bring your own sunscreen and bug spray as needed.
Participants may park in the New Trier High School Northfield parking lot on the west side of Happ Rd, north of Illinois Rd and south of Winnetka Rd. We will meet at the northwest corner of the parking lot. Look for yellow “volunteer” signs.
Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. Please register HERE.
For more information contact derek@fotfp.org.
*Photo credit to Lisa Culp Musgrave