Dunning Read Natural Area

Dunning Read Natural Area The Dunning Read Natural Area is a 21-acre oasis with prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. We look forward to seeing you there soon!

The Dunning Read Natural Area is 21 acres of prairie, woodland, and wetland combined to form one of the most unique and treasured natural areas Chicago has to offer. Located 4050 North Oak Park Avenue, the conservation area contains many rare plant species, as well as an array of plants and animals not often associated with the city, including prairie crayfish and garter snakes. Coyote also freque

nt the grounds, and red-tailed hawks are encountered as they soar overhead, looking for their prey. Once slated to become heavily developed, the site is now managed by Chicago Park District in conjunction with other organizations. The Dunning Read Natural Area Park Advisory Council is a community organization that supports this work. Visitors are encouraged to walk the 3/4 mile walking trails and catch views similar to what the northeastern region of Illinois looked like, pre-settlement. Parking is located in the southwest parking lot (please follow signs as you enter). No pets are allowed, and visitors are asked to refrain from walking on the manicured lawns of the hospital.

Save the date! Join the DRNA park advisory council in September for a community social at The Nest 🌱🌿🌳 Please RSVP so we...
08/25/2026

Save the date! Join the DRNA park advisory council in September for a community social at The Nest 🌱🌿🌳 Please RSVP so we can plan food accordingly: https://forms.gle/kophZmL4tCAiPy3g8

08/13/2026

MONARCH WALK Scheduled for today will be postponed for a later date. Date pending

08/10/2026
It is super satisfying getting an area cleared of invasive cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) before the flowerhead dr...
07/25/2026

It is super satisfying getting an area cleared of invasive cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) before the flowerhead drops seeds. This time of year is perfect, as cutting them after flowering reduces the chances they'll reshoot.

Also spotted a Monarch enjoying some swamp milkweed in an area that was cleared of teasel in 2024. Slow but steady progress 😌

(getting rid of the teasel exposed some burdock, but that's a job for another day!)

This Saturday, come join our volunteer workday from 9-noon, and during the break at 10:30, learn more abut the city's Ir...
07/15/2026

This Saturday, come join our volunteer workday from 9-noon, and during the break at 10:30, learn more abut the city's Irving Park Road Study!

Please join the DRNA park advisory council this Saturday for our next volunteer workday! Come when you can, leave when y...
07/12/2026

Please join the DRNA park advisory council this Saturday for our next volunteer workday! Come when you can, leave when you need to.

Thank you to the Dunning Library for inviting the DRNA park advisory council to Nature Night!
07/02/2026

Thank you to the Dunning Library for inviting the DRNA park advisory council to Nature Night!

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4050 N Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL
60634

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