6 Restored and Rehabilitated Chicago Suburban Forest Preserves for Earth Day

 

Restoring and rehabilitating our natural habitats creates a more sustainable world supporting the Earth's diversity of flora and fauna. A purpose for everything and everything has a purpose. To maintain the vitality of our Earth, we must work to protect our environment. Over the years, I have visited quite a few rehabilitated sites and there are some fantastic ones for you to visit on Earth Day or any day. In celebration of Earth Day, I am sharing six incredible rehabilitated Chicago suburban forest preserves for you to appreciate:

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Nature Flourishes at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in St. Cloud, Minnesota

 

Exploring a Wonderland of Rock Formations and Reflecting Pools at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in St. Cloud, Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota bears the nickname 'Granite City' as an homage to a long history tied with granite quarries. Today, the rehabilitation of 20 former granite quarries crafts a fascinating and beautiful nature preserve for all to enjoy at  Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. During our visit, we savored a summer morning exploring the 684-acre preserve.

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Conservation in Action at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Last weekend, we stopped in at the International Crane Foundation to learn a bit about the organization and beautiful cranes! The International Crane Foundation engages in conservation efforts around the world that support crane populations and critical habitats. They educate populations worldwide on how they can protect habitats within their diverse landscapes and alongside farming practices.

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Lake Michigan Serenity at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in Fort Sheridan, Illinois

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I savored a free day and went exploring. I knew that I wanted water views and to visit somewhere new. We quickly zeroed in on the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. The preserve rests on Lake Michigan treating you to incredible views like this:

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Bobcats Backstage at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL

A couple of months ago, we visited Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL and enjoyed visiting with their residents -- native wildlife and farm animals of Illinois. During our excursion, we learned about an interactive program at the Cosley Zoo -- Bobcats Backstage. Bobcats Backstage is a unique program that allows families an up close experience observing bobcat training.

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Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL

With the lovely weather yesterday, we decided to take a trip down memory lane and visit Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. Cosley is a charming little zoo full of native wildlife and domestic farm animals. Due to its nice size, we spent many days there when our daughter was younger. We also love that the zoo focuses on local animals, so truly representing Illinois. A hidden gem!

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Rehabilitating Wildlife at Willowbrook Nature Center in Glen Ellyn, IL

Willowbrook Nature Center in Glen Ellyn, IL serves both as a wild animal rehabilitation center and an educational center. So, Willowbrook Nature Center is the perfect place to contact and bring an injured animal should you discover one. Today, we visited Willowbrook to learn a little more.

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Family Nature Exploration at The Regenstein Learning Campus at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden has recently opened a new educational facility, the Regenstein Learning Campus, complete with exploratory children's gardens and elements of just plain fun with nature earlier this month. A sunny Sunday invited us to explore these new features.

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