About UsInformationPreserves & RecreationForest Preserve NewsPrograms & EventsConservation & Management


05/13/2008







Lake Renwick Heron Rookery
County Map    Trail Map
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is "By far," notes the Illinois Audubon Society, "the most valuable rookery in all of Illinois...a site of outstanding statewide significance."

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery is the only site in Illinois where five species of birds, one of which is state endangered, nest together. The site includes a 200-acre lake with several small islands used for nesting by great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, and cattle egrets.

During the breeding season, the preserve is closed to the public March-mid-August, except for public bird viewing programs which are offered May 1 - August 15 every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Spotting scopes are available to provide visitors with a bird's eye view of the herons and egrets nest building, feeding and caring for their young, and searching for food.


Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
23144 W. Renwick Road
Plainfield, IL 60544
815.727.8700

Located 0.5 miles east of Route 30 (Plainfield Road), in Plainfield

Hours:
August 16 - October, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. November- February, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March-mid-August, CLOSED

The islands of Lake Renwick are the nursery for thousands of great blue herons, great egrets, double-crested cormorants, cattle egrets, and state endangered black-crowned night herons. Raptors, ducks, and songbirds also use the preserve as an oasis along their seasonal migration routes. Forest Preserve staff monitor the preserve to ensure that the islands and lake remain ideal for the birds.

From August 16-October, the preserve is open during regular summer hours, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

From November-February, winter hours apply, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Bird viewing opportunities are increased with the opening of Copley Nature Park. The park, located on Route 30, features parking, a short path, and a wildlife viewing area, with a viewing scope, protected from the weather by a gazebo. Copley Nature Park is open year round during preserve seasonal hours.