Dunning Read Natural Area

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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 frequent 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.

This Saturday looks like it will be cool and sunny, so it's the perfect day to come out to the Dunning Read Natural Area...
10/14/2026

This Saturday looks like it will be cool and sunny, so it's the perfect day to come out to the Dunning Read Natural Area for a volunteer work day. Join us anytime between 9am and noon. Gloves and tools are provided. Hope to see you there!

TONIGHT! Drop-in community social at The Nest. Come when you can, leave when you need to. Hope to see you there!
09/23/2026

TONIGHT! Drop-in community social at The Nest. Come when you can, leave when you need to. Hope to see you there!

Beautiful day for a walk ☀️
09/18/2026

Beautiful day for a walk ☀️

The next DRNA volunteer work day is this Saturday. Hope to see you there! And just a reminder that our community social ...
09/14/2026

The next DRNA volunteer work day is this Saturday. Hope to see you there! And just a reminder that our community social at The Nest is next week! You can get more info & rsvp here: https://forms.gle/kophZmL4tCAiPy3g8

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

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4050 N Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL
60634

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