Guided Walks & Educational Events

In December 2024, we hosted a very successful Winter Solstice Walk! We were very excited about this event and pleased with the wonderful participation! Attendees learned about what the winter solstice really is, and the changes it brings, and they engaged in creative activities to celebrate this unique time of year.

We host a number of bird walks, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons. We are grateful to the Chicago Ornithological Society and the McHenry County Audubon Society for their help in supporting these events, and to Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) for their work in rescuing the birds of West Ridge Nature Park and the greater Chicago area. If you encounter an injured bird or a bird in need of help, contact CBCM at (773) 988-1867

Mallards

Green heron

Great blue heron

Indigo bunting

Belted kingfisher

American goldfinch

We also host themed events to honor special days throughout the year. These have included interpretive displays to honor National Bison Day, and a display about the various mammals that have or continue to call Illinois home.

Wild Mammals

WRNP is grateful for the ongoing opportunity to collaborate with residents and staff from Misericordia to explore creative and interactive nature education activities and encourage participation from children visiting the park.

Learning about bats and animal footprints and making our own footprint models

We have also began implementing nature walks in combination with guided sketching. Participants receive basic tips on how to transfer the views in front of them into their own artwork.