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Borbs and Forbs: Columbus Park

  • Columbus Park 500 S. Central Park Ave Chicago, IL 60644 United States (map)

Location: Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60644

Date: Saturday, 04/26/25

Time: 8:30 AM - ~11:30 AM

Borbs and Forbs is a monthly event for nature enthusiasts and those inspired to give back to our communities. Each month we will visit a Chicago Park to admire local birds and other fauna, followed by a stewardship day with the park's steward.

In April we will visit Columbus Park. This National Historic Landmark, designed by Jens Jensen, includes woodland and wet prairie habitat. In late April we can expect to see swallows, kinglets, sparrows, and hopefully early warblers.

Then at 9:30 a.m. we'll join the Columbus Park steward for a workday in which we help improve the natural areas. Workday activities might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection, or trash pick-up. No experience or equipment is required. Gloves and other needed tools will be provided.

Leaders: Robyn Detterline

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Robyn Detterline (rdetterline@gmail.com) or Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 1 miles and will take place mostly on wide paved, crushed-gravel, or wood-chip trails that are relatively level with minimal incline. We may leave the trail at times to walk through the grass for a better view of the birds. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions.

Restrooms are available at the field house beginning at 9:30 AM.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a hat and sunscreen, long pants, and bug spray. Loaner binoculars will be available.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free parking is in the parking lot. The location is accessible by public transit via the following bus routes: 85 - Central; 91 - Austin; 20 - Madison.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.

Earlier Event: April 25
City Nature Challenge 2025
Later Event: April 26
Montrose Dunes Stewardship Workday