Middlefork Savanna is one of Lake County's premier birding destinations and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience a large-scale prairie, savanna, and wetland restoration in the heart of Lake Forest. June is an especially exciting time to visit, as breeding birds are actively singing, nesting, and feeding young throughout the preserve.
During our walk, we'll be looking and listening for a variety of grassland, wetland, and woodland species, including Eastern Bluebirds, Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, Eastern Meadowlarks, Sandhill Cranes, Baltimore Orioles, and a variety of warblers, flycatchers, and swallows. The preserve's diverse habitats and extensive trail system make it one of the best locations in the region for observing birds and other wildlife.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder, this walk is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of one of Lake County's most successful conservation areas while learning more about the birds that call it home.
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Activity Level: Moderate, Walk 3-4 miles (crushed-gravel/dirt trails)
Trip Leaders: Brad Stein (773) 213-1808
Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Location: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve
Middlefork Dr
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Register for the Middlefork Savanna walk here.
The walk will begin in the main parking lot adjacent to the Elawa Farm Foundation buildings. Please follow the pinned directions to this parking lot in Google Maps below:
Google Maps: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve - Parking Lot
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 3-4 miles on mostly crushed-gravel/dirt trails. Sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, and a hat are all good items to bring along.
Feel free to leave the walk at anytime. We may extend the overall duration of the walk beyond the listed time for anyone who would like to continue a bit longer.
In case of inclement weather, the trip leaders will notify all participants via email and text.