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.

We’re monitoring monarchs and milkweed at the DRNA as part of the Budburst program. If you missed our introductory walk ...
06/02/2026

We’re monitoring monarchs and milkweed at the DRNA as part of the Budburst program. If you missed our introductory walk this past weekend, no worries! You can still join the team and help! Just send us a message to learn how! 🐛

05/30/2026

Learn why Budburst studies milkweed plants and how you can become a...

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY MAY 30TH AT 10 AM FOR A MONARCH AND MILKWEED WALK TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP US OBSERVE AND TRACK M...
05/25/2026

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY MAY 30TH AT 10 AM FOR A MONARCH AND MILKWEED WALK TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP US OBSERVE AND TRACK MONARCHS AND MILKWEED AT THE DUNNING READ NATURAL AREA!

Monarch butterfly migration is a critical, 2,500-mile, multi-generational journey (up to 3,000 miles in some cases) across North America that is vital for ecosystem health. As pollinators, they support plant biodiversity, while their migration serves as a crucial ecological indicator of environmental health.

DID YOU KNOW????? The DUNNING READ NATURAL AREA (DRNA) because of its abundant milkweed population is part of the migratory path of the Monarch Butterfly. This year we have partnered with the Chicago Botanical Gardens BUDBURST program to observe and track this amazing creature. To learn more about the Monarch and Milkweed project, watch the video below.

JOIN THE TEAM
Simply log into: budburst.org
user name: MonarchMilkweed password: Budburst

https://youtu.be/P4LhFvPtEIM?si=EW4STR8kb62dJ5rv

Learn why Budburst studies milkweed plants and how you can become a...

This Saturday! Hope to see you there!
05/14/2026

This Saturday! Hope to see you there!

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Have a lot of extra craft supplies around? Join our friends at the Dunning Library for a Craft S...
05/04/2026

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Have a lot of extra craft supplies around? Join our friends at the Dunning Library for a Craft Supply Swap this weekend! Friends of the Dunning Library

More improvements at DRNA. You might say we're finally on the map!
05/01/2026

More improvements at DRNA. You might say we're finally on the map!

Have you seen the new benches at the DRNA? Called Leopold benches, their design is named after the famous naturalist and...
04/30/2026

Have you seen the new benches at the DRNA? Called Leopold benches, their design is named after the famous naturalist and writer Aldo Leopold, who is widely considered the father of wildlife management and conservation. The benches are designed so that if you want to watch birds, you can sit backwards with your legs through the opening and your elbows resting on the backrest to hold your binoculars (see our dedicated volunteer Bill demonstrating in these pictures). An immense thank you to all the community members who supported our fundraising campaign for these benches, to the Harwood Heights Culver's for hosting our fundraising event, to Friends of the Parks, and to all of the volunteers who contributed their time and talent to helping build them. Hope you enjoy using them to rest, read, birdwatch, or watch the sunset!

The Chicagoland Region City Nature Challenge is happening from April 24-27! We're not running an event at Dunning Read N...
04/22/2026

The Chicagoland Region City Nature Challenge is happening from April 24-27! We're not running an event at Dunning Read Natural Area this year, but anyone is welcome to join the City Nature Challenge 2026: Chicagoland Region project on iNaturalist and upload your sightings, regardless of whether you attend an event. All the observations help scientists seeking to document nature around the world! Feel free to message us if you need help or instructions!

Picture yourself here.
04/20/2026

Picture yourself here.

Saturday's workday found the return of Wright College students helping to prepare parking lot islands for Taft students'...
04/20/2026

Saturday's workday found the return of Wright College students helping to prepare parking lot islands for Taft students' plantings. Trail grooming and litter pickup were also addressed by volunteers, and the product of our recent Culver's fundraiser wait on the assembly line for placement along the trail!

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4050 N Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL
60634

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