Nature
A Blue Heron, like this one, can often be seen at Prairie Lakes.
This page is a compilation of resources provided by Lily G.
All of us here are grateful for her dedication to providing us with so much wonderful information about the diverse variety of plants, birds, animals, and habitats in Des Plaines, and particularly what you’ll find within the park district. As her project continues, we will be adding more information, and photos, to this page. We encourage you to post your photos on the Prairie Lakes and Lake Park Google website pages. Links are below.
A NOTE FROM LILY ABOUT THE NATURE PROJECT
Des Plaines has a lot of diverse habitats, and I enjoy exploring the local nature. I wanted to help educate the people in Des Plaines about the wildlife that surrounds us. I hope that you find these resources educational and that they can help you understand the wildlife that’s so close to us.
About me: I’m a middle schooler, and live in Des Plaines near Prairie Lakes Park. I’m a Girl Scout: The nature signs, fishing line receptacles, and this webpage are all part of my Silver Award project.
Globe Observer
Get the Glob Observer app.
Globe Observer is an app that helps track changes in the environment around us, by us. Citizen scientists submit observations to help understand the world around us.
Merlin Bird ID
The website of the Cornell University Lab
Merlin Bird ID is an app where you answer 3 questions to identify birds that you have seen in your area.
iNaturalist
Visit the website
iNaturalist is a community of citizen scientists. Record your observations through your phone camera, share them to fellow naturalists, and discuss what you found.
Des Plaines History Center
History Center website
The Des Plaines History Center collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Des Plaines and its people and provides access to those resources through exhibits, educational programs and research facilities.
Des Plaines Memory
Des Plaines Memory website
Des Plaines Memory is an online archive of photographs, documents and memorabilia related to the city of Des Plaines, its people, places and institutions – dating from the 1800s to the present day.
Biodiversity of Illinois
Illinois Department of Natural Resources website
Search about habitats and species in Illinois.
Prairie Lakes Park—Google Page
Open a map, get directions, and submit your photos of Prairie Lakes here!
Lake Park—Google Page
Open a map, get directions, and submit your photos of Lake Park here!
HISTORICAL PHOTOS
Image showing the area around Graceland Ave. and Thacker St. looking southwestward.
What eventually be Prairie Lakes is in the distance.
River Road in the 1880s, showing the Kranz family house.