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NOTICE: Select areas of Winnemac Park Natural Area will be mowed in July 2025.
The restoration and improvement of native habitat is a long-term process that requires ongoing management. Mowing is a common management tool, particularly in the early years of a habitat restoration project. Mowing reduces the pressure of weeds, particularly annual and biennial species, that grow very quickly and can outcompete native perennial seedlings, which grow much more slowly. While mowing can be jarring to see, the overall goal is to increase the odds of success of native plants to improve the long-term ecological quality of an area.

Winnemac Park Natural Area contains approximately three acres of native prairie habitat within Winnemac Park. The natural area is divided into three sections, all of which are popular with birds and butterflies due to the great density of flowering prairie plants. 

In addition to maintenance conducted by the park district, Winnemac Park Natural Area benefits from the dedication and hard work of volunteers who assist the park district by collecting and planting native seed and plugs, picking up trash, monitoring flora and fauna, and removing invasive species. Learn more about volunteer opportunities in ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Natural Areas by visiting our Community Stewardship Program page.

Help keep wildlife wild, safe, and healthy by following posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations. For questions regarding ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Natural Areas, email nature@chicagoparkdistrict.com.