First Communty Trail Day – June 28th

The first Ronan Park Nature Trail community trail day is Saturday, June 28th. Meet at the north end of the Trail at 9AM or as early as you can make it. This new website will be expanding throughout the summer. Watch here for news about the Trail and what’s happening this summer (and winter) or call Michael Herman (volunteer park steward) at 312-280-7838. And then please join us on the Trail – for a walk or a run or a workday!

Ronan Park lies at the southern tip of a miles-long greenway that connects us by river, canal and bike trail to the Lake, Wilmette, and other points north. And nestled along the River there, from Lawrence north to Argyle, is Ronan Park Nature Trail. Wooded and shady, green and flowering, you might know it as the “scenic route” to River Park or the warm-up/cool-down section of your running workout.

Along the Trail, you’ll find native species that have been planted and tended over the last seven or eight years, columbine, sedge grasses, alexander, goldenrod, wild geraniums, and a variety of other spring wildflowers. Hazelnuts – I’d be curious if anybody’s ever harvested their fruit. Geese and other birds. Watch out for the moms with babies! You’ll also find non-native plants like garlic mustard, burdock, buckthorn thistle and a bunch of other invasives that are trying (through no fault of their own!) to overrun the place.

One way to learn what’s out there in our backyard is to come help take care of it. This summer we’re inviting friends and admirers of the Trail to get together, walk the trail, learn what’s there, cut back invasives, maintain the pathway, pick-up trash, meet others who enjoy being outside in our little patch of woods, and generally keep a bunch of caring eyes on the place.

Please Join Us!