Although this forest preserve is mainly focused on recreation, the deep-water lake (a former rock quarry) is a prime site for spring/fall migration of grebes, ducks, and loons which can often be at quite a close distance.

This preserve contains restored wetlands and wooded areas along both sides of the Des Plaines River. The trail is outstanding for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other spring-migrating passerines.

With over 1200 acres and 7 miles of trails, this is one of the largest forest preserves and one of the most important prairie/wetland areas for birds.

This 750-acre Preserve with 4 miles of trails offers excellent spring birding for migrants. The bridge over the Des Plaines River is a popular area in spring with sightings of up to twenty warbler species such as prothonotary warbler, cerulean warbler, oven birds plus orioles and tanagers.

The 552-acre Preserve offers some of Illinois' most pristine bottomland woodlands plus two small prairie areas and offers 6.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through a deep forest to the quiet Des Plaines River. 

The 4162-acre state park with 6 miles of sandy beach includes a marina, campground, swimming beach plus the first dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve (which is also a Ramsar wetland site). Illinois Beach State Park has been said to have more plant diversity than any other place in Illinois.

Due to the diverse habitat of a deep-water harbor, sandy beach, a pocket of trees and a marsh/dune area along Lake Michigan (and despite its busy urban environment), this location has recorded sightings of over 300 species.