Over 300 children attended our PAC sponsored fishing events. The enthusiasm was high at our eight fishing clinics and fishing stations at two Family Nature Days. 

In the past, the focus has been on cleaning up debris and removing weeds and invasive species. In October, however, the focus shifted. A wonderful crew of 10 volunteers unloaded an enormous pile of mulch from a Forest Preserve District truck and "barrowed" it to the designated sites. By noon, we had mulched a new trail and the nature play area. 

We also put some green fencing in place to block trails going down the steep face at the South Council Circle and collected some seeds. 

Our continuing goal is to improve the native habitat for diverse plants, animals and birds while encouraging responsible use by people. We appreciate all of you who have helped. 

Fall is here. The nights are cooler and bright colored leaves will be replacing the colorful wildflowers we have been enjoying. Our popular Family Nature Days will go into hibernation at the end of September to return again in late spring. However, we will continue our educational outreach. Over the next few months we plan to reach out through student and teacher field trips as well as school and community presentations. Plans for an even better Nature Play Area are in the works.

Squirrels are already stockpiling food for the winter, some of the birds will be leaving for warmer havens and our resident deer has grown a full set of antlers.

Please, to protect last year's plantings and encourage migrating birds to return, stay on the paths and leave your dogs at home. The Chicago Park District signs in the preserve clearly state these rules.

Birds of West Ridge Nature Preserve

We continue to love our comfortable but relatively narrow paths because they preserve fragile wildlife and encourage responsible walking. Discouraged are activities that would disrupt those, young and old, who are enjoying the park alone or as families. 

Would you believe it? September marked the one-year anniversary of our opening. Thus, our last Family Nature Day of the year -- Saturday, September 24 -- was a birthday celebration.

Activities were partially funded through a $500 grant from the Chicago Parks Foundation.

A celebration for the opening of the West Ridge Nature Preserve took place on September 20th, 2015. Some 700 visitors streamed through the Ardmore Avenue gate, reflecting the day’s sunshine and warmth.

The mayor -- along with the 40th ward alderman, Chicago Park District officials, and our PAC president -- welcomed visitors with speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

People of all ages explored the preserve and sampled the activities. Our PAC sponsored a welcome table and offered a number of activities, some continuous and some at specific times during the day.

PAC activities included the following: StoryWalk, I Spy nature hunt, mammal specimen table, guided tour, writing workshop, and Yoga. The Chicago Park District and North Park Nature Center provided fishing demonstrations, crafts, and a butterfly release.

Our PAC welcomes continued use and protection of the preserve by neighbors and nature lovers. Plans for future activities are in the works.