Beautiful Start to 2024 Season

Today was a magnificent start to the year at the Dunes. The water has continued to retreat, giving us a really lovely high foredune that’s covered in grasses. The Lake Rocket is sprouting all over the new sandy beach area that has been left by the retreating lake. A couple volunteers and I spent a lot of our time today in that area pulling thistle.

The little white flowers of the Sand Cress are in bloom around the site (<– as pictured here).

Golden currant (pictured below) is showing out on the upper ridge by the entrance. I hope you can see them in person!

Mark your calendar- workdays in 2024 are 4th Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm:

• May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28
  • Community stewardship workdays include – Invasive species management, trash clean up

RSVP to a scheduled Workday here.

________________________

See you at there!

October 19: bird walk and seed collecting *note different time

Grasses are big and tall, boldly coloring the dunes with golds, yellows, and oranges, while the asters and goldenrods are starting to fade: truly one of the most brilliant times of year!

    

Come out to RBD this Saturday October 19 for a really exciting last community stewardship workday of the year:

First, we’ll take a bird walk with the Chicago Ornithological Society throughout the park from 7-9am. This is quite a wonderful opportunity because we’re in the middle of migration season, and as you may know, the Chicago lakefront is a stopover spot for many tired birds as they fly south. We’re glad our friends at COS are bringing out the experts, like Christine and Geof Williamson to lead the walk!

Then, from 9:00-11:00am we’ll spend time in the natural area, taking a nature walk and collecting seeds from our native plants.

Join us Saturday October 19 from 7-9am to bird, 9-11am to collect seeds, or both for or a whole morning at Rainbow! Note that we will be out there rain or shine so prepare for the weather and terrain (sandy, wet, sometimes unstable): it may be cold, windy and/or rainy.  Sturdy shoes, long pants, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided.

• RSVP to the COS bird walk here, please.
• And RSVP to the seed collecting stewardship day here, please!
• Questions? Contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com).

Want to support the Rainbow Beach Park community and learn about all kinds of events and programs in the Park? Join the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, attend a meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30, and certainly visit their Facebook page to learn more.

**Mark your calendars**
See you next time in 2020!

 

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.
By foot, or from the #6 bus stop, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end, from Hwy 41 at Farragut.

• From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
• From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
• Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.

Go to the far right corner of the first parking lot/southern end of the beach to the entrance of the Nature Area. Meet at the banner!
Find directions and a map here.

October 28: marram grass planting

Come out to RBD for the last community stewardship workday of the year! If you’re familiar with the dune ecosystem, you know all about the importance of marram grass as a stabilizing species — on Saturday October 28th we’ll plant a small, weedy area near the parking lot with this native plant! We’ll be there at the usual time 10am-12pm to do some planting and take a nature walk through big bluestem, switchgrass, canada wild rye, and little bluestem, turning the dunes into a vibrant sea of grasses.

Join us Saturday October 28 from 10am-12pm!  Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellent, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided.

Please RSVP for the workday here. Questions? Contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com).

Want to support the Rainbow Beach Park community and learn about all kinds of events and programs in the Park? Join the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, attend a meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30, and certainly visit their Facebook page to learn more.

 

**Mark your calendars**
See you next time in March 2018!

….

 

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.

• By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
• By car, you can only access the park at the southern end, from Hwy 41 at Farragut.
• From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
• From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
• Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.
• Go to the far right corner of the parking lot farthest from the field house at the entrance to the Nature Area. Meet at the banner!
• Find directions and a map here.

August 26: Community Stewardship Workday at 9:00am

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes on Saturday August 26 at 9:00 am to take a nature walk, clean up the nature area, and join birders from around Chicago!

Rainbow Beach Dunes and all of Rainbow Beach Park support permanent resident birds, as well as migrants throughout the year. All the work we do to improve the quality of the habitat makes it even more appealing for our animal friends.

As part of “Give Back to Birds Work Day,” birders from around Chicago will join us at 9am for stewardship work at the Dunes. If you want the chance to see migrants on their way through the Lake Michigan Flyway on an early morning bird walk, meet in the east parking lot at 7am! More details about this event here.

• Early morning birdwalk with veteran birders Christine Williamson, Geoff Williamson, and Dave Willard begins at 7:00. More details here.
• Community stewardship workday on Saturday August 26 from 9am-11am. Please note the earlier start time for the workday.
  
• Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellent, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided.
• Please RSVP for the workday here. Questions? Contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com).

Want to support the Rainbow Beach Park community and learn about all kinds of events and programs in the Park? Join the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, attend a meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30, and certainly visit their Facebook page to learn more.

**Mark your calendars!**
Remaining 2017 community stewardship workdays at RBD:
Saturday September 23, 10am-12pm
Saturday October 28, 10am-12pm

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.

• By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
• By car, you can only access the park at the southern end, from Hwy 41 at Farragut.
• From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
• From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
• Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.
• Go to the far right corner of the parking lot farthest from the field house at the entrance to the Nature Area. Meet at the banner!

Find directions and a map here.

March 25: First community stewardship workday of 2017!

Join us on Saturday March 25 from 10am-12pm for the first workday of the season. We’ll survey the changes that have gone on over the past few months and clean up trash that’s come ashore during the winter. Bring neighbors, friends, and family.

Meet in the first parking lot, close to the entrance of the Nature Area and look for the banner. 

…

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions.

RSVP here!

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.

• By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
• By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
• From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
• From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
• Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.
• Go to the end of the parking lot closest to the Nature Area. Meet at the banner!

Find directions and a map here.

…

*Mark your calendar*

• April 22 2017 (Earth Day with Friends of the Parks – RSVP here!)
• May 27 2017
• June 24 2017
• July 22 2017
• August 26 2017
• September 23 2017
• October 28 2017

October 29: Marram grass planting and volunteer appreciation

Marram grass (Ammophila breviligulata) is the resident dune-builder at RBD. Its roots reach deep into the sand, anchoring it in heavy winds, building up small hills and leaving behind swales.

On the last workday of 2016, we will plant marram grass to anchor sand around the new water filtration system. Afterwards we’ll have hot cider and donuts to celebrate our planting and a successful year of stewardship. Bring neighbors, friends, and family.

Join us on Saturday October 29nd from 10am-12pm for the last workday of the season and stay until 1pm to celebrate the year’s accomplishments with your fellow volunteers!

Meet in the first parking lot, close to the Fieldhouse and look for the banner. 

…

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions.

RSVP here!

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.

• By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
• By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
• From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
• From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
• Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.
• Go to the end of the parking lot closest to the Fieldhouse. Meet at the banner!

Find directions and a map here.

…

*Mark your calendar*
See you in March 2017

September 24: Community Stewardship Workday

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday September 24 to celebrate National Public Lands day, take a nature walk, clean up the nature area, and collect seeds from native plants!

The Chicago Park District manages public land throughout Chicago including natural areas of all local habitat types. Public lands managed by CPD ensure there is space for recreation, education, and exploration of greenspace while providing homes for native plants and animals and connected corridors for them to migrate and disperse.

Join us this Saturday September 24 from 10am-12pm.

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellent, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP here, and contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com) with questions.

**Other notes**
Want to stay in the loop about the Rainbow Beach Park community and all kinds of events and programs in the Park? Join the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, attend a meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30, and certainly visit their Facebook page to learn more.

**Mark your calendars!**
Upcoming community stewardship workdays at RBD:
Saturday October 22, 10am-12pm – marram grass planting and last workday of the year!

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets. Find directions and a map here.

By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

August 27: Community Stewardship Workday at 9:00am

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday August 27 at 9:00 am to take a nature walk, clean up the nature area, and collect seeds with birders from around Chicago!

Rainbow Beach Dunes and all of Rainbow Beach Park support permanent resident birds, as well as migrants throughout the year. All the work we do to improve the quality of the habitat makes it even more appealing for our animal friends. As part of “Give Back to Birds Work Day,” birders from around Chicago will join us at 9am for stewardship work at the Dunes. If you would like to join them for an early morning bird walk, meet in the east parking lot at 7am! More details to be found here.

Join us this Saturday August 27 from 9am-11am. Please note the earlier start time for the workday.
Early morning birdwalk led by veteran birders Geoff and Christine Williamson begins at 7:00 with details here.

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellent, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP here, and contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com) with questions.

**Other notes**
Want to stay in the loop about the Rainbow Beach Park community and all kinds of events and programs in the Park? Join the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, attend a meeting on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30, and certainly visit their Facebook page to learn more.

**Mark your calendars!**
Upcoming community stewardship workdays at RBD:
Saturday September 24, 10am-12pm
Saturday October 22, 10am-12pm

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets. Find directions and a map here.

By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

July 23: Community Stewardship Workday and cactus monitoring

Opuntia humifusa

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday July 23 to observe and collect data about the native prickly pear cactus.

We started the Opuntia Project in 2014 to collect data about the health of the cactus population at Rainbow. Citizen scientists have collected data over the past few years on the size of plants at the site and how many of them reproduce. One team will work on collecting data, but if you’d rather have a chance to dip your toes in Lake Michigan, a second team will collect trash along the beach at the water’s edge.

Join us this Saturday July 23 from 10am-12pm. 

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellant, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP here, and contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com) with questions.

**Mark your calendars!**
Upcoming community stewardship workdays at RBD:
Saturday August 27, 10am-12pm
Saturday September 24, 10am-12pm
Saturday October 22, 10am-12pm

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets. Find directions and a map here.

By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

June 25: Community Stewardship Workday

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday June 25 for invasive species management and to see the dunes in bloom!

More beautiful native plants are blooming! and they will keep coming over the next few months. Native prickly pear flowers [Opuntia humifusa], New Jersey tea [Ceanothus americanus], milkweed [Asclepias spp.], and rare Pitcher’s thistle [Cirsium pitcherii] are just opening up; pale beardstongue [Penstemon pallidus], beach pea [Lathyrus japonicus], and sand coreopsis [Coreopsis lanceolata] are in full bloom! (Find out about all these species and more at Illinois wildflowers.)

But the invasive Bromus tectorum [cheatgrass or downy brome] and Melilotus officianalis [sweet clover] are also making themselves known across the site and we need volunteers to help remove it.

Join us this Saturday June 25 from 10am-12pm. 

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: it could be cool and wet, or sunny and warm! Sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellant, and water are recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP here, and contact co-stewards Alison Anastasio (alison.anastasio@gmail.com) or Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com) with questions.

**Mark your calendars!**
Upcoming community stewardship workdays at RBD:
Saturday July 23, 10am-12pm
Saturday August 27, 10am-12pm
Saturday September 24, 10am-12pm
Saturday October 22, 10am-12pm

….

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets. Find directions and a map here.
By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

December seed dispersal

John Drake from Indiana TNC is a great friend to Rainbow Beach Dunes. He brings rare treats (seeds from healthy native dune populations in Indiana) and always tells RBD how good it looks.

 

 

Jen, John and two TNC staff disperse a select set of seeds in RBD’s panne

Jen gets ready to disperse seeds

someone recently moved into this sandy house

 

 

 

 

 

September 26: Community Stewardship and National Public Lands Day

 

Join nature lovers around the country in celebrating some of our most beautiful natural resources- land protected by our local and federal governments. Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday to enjoy the healthy dune ecosystem supported by the Chicago Park District. We’ll be collecting seeds from robust populations of native plants in one part of the site and distributing seeds to more degraded areas. The grasses are red, orange, golden, and green and you might catch a glimpse of the beautiful fringed gentian in bloom.

Join us this Saturday September 26 from 10am-12pm for National Public Lands Day!

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions and to RSVP.

…

Find directions and a map here.

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.
By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

*Mark your calendar*
Saturday October 24 – Community Stewardship Workday at RBD (last workday until March 2016!)

July 25: Community Stewardship, Habitat 2030, potluck

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday for a fun mid-summer workday with our friends at Habitat 2030! What’s Habitat 2030, you ask?

Habitat 2030 is a group of volunteers who care about the remarkable natural areas of the Chicago region. We host habitat restoration workdays, nature hikes and weekend camping trips, social gatherings, and educational opportunities. At workdays, we remove invasive plants, gather and spread seeds, and learn about nature as we go. We link interested newbies to expert mentors and are building a community where people of all skill levels can discuss local ecology, conservation, and habitat restoration issues. Everyone is welcome!

We’ll share our knowledge of dune ecosystems and native plants and all work together to monitor the flowering and fruiting of the prickly pear cactus. After a fulfilling few hours of monitoring, please stay for a potluck lunch with a great group of volunteers!

Join us this Saturday July 25 from 10am-12pm. Bring something to share and join us for a potluck after the workday.

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions and to RSVP.

…

Find directions and a map here.

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.
By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

*Mark your calendar*
Saturday August 22 – Community Stewardship Workday at RBD
Saturday September 26 – Community Stewardship Workday at RBD
Saturday October 24 – Community Stewardship Workday at RBD

 

June 27: Community Stewardship Workday

 

Come out to Rainbow Beach Dunes this Saturday to make a dent in the populations of some pernicious invasive plant species: sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and cheat grass (Bromus tectorum). Regular volunteers will confirm that these are very fulfilling workdays – it sure feels great to pull big weeds out of the sandy dune soil.

Join us this Saturday June 27 from 10am-12pm.

Please remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions and to RSVP.

…

Find directions and a map here.

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.
By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

*Mark your calendar*
Saturday July 25 – Community Stewardship and Habitat 2030 workday at RBD
Saturday August 22 – Community Stewardship Workday at RBD

 

Follow up: May workday

On this May workday, we flagged and marked another 500 or so Opuntia individuals – we will collect data for these plants later in the season. We love when families come out to help at RBD! Kids of all ages have a great time in the nature area.

 

We also saw an eastern kingbird and many native plants in bloom!

Tyrannus tyrannus, eastern kingbird

Castilleja coccinea, scarlet paintbrush

Castilleja coccinea, scarlet paintbrush

Triglochin maritima

Heuchera richardsonii, prairie alumroot

Pedicularis canadensis, wood betony

Pedicularis canadensis, wood betony

Arabidopsis lyrata, sand cress

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, kinnikinnick