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City of Chicago Heights Community Service Officer Tracey Garcia and her tiny helper spend some time with Plain Air Painting during the Artists in the Park event sponsored by Union Street Gallery. For information on more events like this one, visit the Union Street Art Gallery website, or click the image above.
Did you know some birds sing notes too high for humans to hear? Or that ospreys almost always carry fish parallel to their bodies to improve aerodynamics? Have you ever seen a heron eat a fish whole, or a crow using homemade tools catch their prey? The native and migrating birds that can be spotted in the Forest Preserves of Cook County are as unique and diverse as the Forest Preserves themselves!
New and experienced birders can enjoy this fun and versatile year-round activity while experiencing the many amenities offered throughout the Forest Preserves, including miles of marked trails, major waterways that can be canoed or kayaked, dedicated nature preserves, nature centers and more.
"The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, with more than 69,000-acres, is the largest forest preserve district in the United States. It receives an estimated 40 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This natural heritage offers something for everyone:
Oak woodlands and savannas
Tallgrass prairies
Native wetlands
Migratory fly-ways that afford spectacular birding
22 dedicated nature preserves
40 managed lakes and ponds
7 major waterways that can be canoed or kayaked and offer glimpses of waterflow and shorebirds
300 miles of marked trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing
Scenic spots for painting, photography or quiet reflection"