Location: Ray Lake Forest Preserve
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Trip Leader: Brad Stein (773) 213-1808
Trip Leader: Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Activity Level: Moderate. Walk 2.5-3.0 miles. Trails are mostly crushed-gravel.
This trip will be limited to 20 participants. If you register and realize ahead of time you will not be able to make the walk, please send a text to the trip leader so another spot can be re-opened.
Please follow the pinned parking lot location below for the start of the walk.
Google Maps: Ray Lake Forest Preserve Parking Lot
Come join us on Sunday, July 13 for a morning walk at Ray Lake Forest Preserve. The outing is co-led by Brad Stein and Matt Tobin, both expert birders and experienced walk leaders. With three wetlands, woodlands with bur oak, hickory and cherry trees, and sprawling grasslands, Ray Lake offers habitat enjoyed by a wide variety of bird species. On the northeast side of the preserve, a hilly area provides a scenic vista of all three wetlands.
During our walk, we’ll be on the lookout for bobolinks, meadowlarks, dickcissel and sparrows in the grasslands. As we venture through the woodlands and past wetlands, we’ll watch for waterfowl, wading birds, marsh and sedge wrens plus several other summer favorites, including flycatchers, vireos and woodpeckers.
Please bring binoculars (if available). We will have a few loaner pairs if you need to borrow one for the walk.
Please dress accordingly for the weather conditions, and wear appropriate footwear for walking around 2.5 - 3.0 miles on mostly crushed-gravel trails. Sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, and a hat are all good items to bring along.
The walk duration may extend a bit beyond the scheduled walk, but please feel free to leave at any time.
In case of inclement weather or changes in location/start time, the trip leader(s) will notify all participants via email.
Specific details about the walk and the Ray Lake parking location are available through the registration link below: