Dunning Read Conservation Area
The Dunning Read Conservation Area was established in 2005 with by a conservation easement to protect the woodlands and wetlands habitat and to establish public use of the land. The Dunning Read Conservation Area is open to the public from sun up until sun down during the months of March through November. No domestic animals are allowed in the area.
Photo Album from Boston Consulting Group and Draft FCB work day
Along with its wooded areas and meadows, the Dunning-Read Conservation area harbors several small remnant wetlands – a rare find within the extensively built-up city environment. Beginning in 2007, members of the local community who serve as the site’s management team took the first steps toward implementing the vision of restoring the site to ecological health. The site’s stewardship group has met the second Saturday of every month in the spring, summer and fall to cut invasive trees and brush, pick up trash and plant seeds. As a result of the volunteer work, the conservation area is being cleared of invasives, planted with native plants, and cleared of brush. In 2009 a 3/4 mile walking trail was installed. There are plans for a small rain garden and for a plant nursery to be established on this site.
VOLUNTEER
The group is eager to welcome new volunteers to help restore ecological health to the Dunning-Read Conservation Area and to raise its profile as an important open space resource for the community. Volunteers can work one of the regular workdays by joining the group on the second Saturday of the month, March through November, from 9am – 12pm. Meet behind the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center (entrance off of Oak Park Avenue, north of Irving Park). Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves, and wear layers appropriate for the weather. Large scale community service days may also be hosted at this site. For more information, contact Mary Eileen Sullivan at sullivanme@fotp.org.
Community Service Day Preparation
DRCA Invasives Identification and Tool Use (PowerPoint)
