eBird Hotspot: Ryerson Conservation Area, Lake County, IL, US
At 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, 565-acre Ryerson Woods, a Lake County Forest Preserves property, offers a variety of habitats including prairie, wetland, northern flatwoods forest and most of the floodplain forest left in northeastern Illinois. Half the land is an Illinois Nature Preserve, supporting state threatened and endangered species as well as exceptional natural areas. More than 215 bird species and nearly 600 species of flowering plants have been recorded here. Over 6.5 miles of trails wind through woods to the Des Plaines River. Birders love this site, especially in spring and fall when warblers and other passerines pass through. Wading birds and river waterfowl also frequent this special place. Other features are Brushwood, formerly the Ryerson family home, and the Welcome Center, with its information desk, educational activities and family-oriented nature programs.