www.outdoors.chicago.il.us >> The Unofficial Cook County Forest Preserve District Page >> Nature Centers >>
Nestled in one of Cook County's richest savannahs, Trailside Museum boasts its historic presence at the Southwest corner of Thatcher and Chicago Avenues in River Forest. Built in 1874 by Abraham J. Hoffman, it was first utilized as a high class finishing school for young ladies. In 1881, it was converted to an institution for young men from broken homes. Hugh McFarlane, a wealthy carriage maker and village trustee, was a subsequent resident. In 1917, the Cook County Forest Preserve District purchased the building and surrounding land to use as the general headquarters. Finally, in 1931, it was converted to its present use as Trailside Museum, the first of its kind in the midwest. The house that was built for educational purposes continues to depict knowledge with displays of native flora and fauna and live animals of the Chicagoland area.
The museum is the site of Cook County's wildlife rehablitation center for orphaned and injured native animals. These wild animals will be cared for until they may be released to their natural habitat. [See the Forest Preserve District's "Wildlife Rehabilitation" page for more information.]
[If a wild animal is found in distress, see the Forest Preserve District's "What Should Be Done With Young Wildlife" page for more information.]
Visits by groups are welcome, however, we ask that you make reservations by phoning in advance.
Naturalists are pleased to present audio/visual programs in schools, churches, etc. between the months of Nov.-Feb. To make arrangements or for general information, please call the Conservation Department.
[CLONK notes: Information on hours and phone numbers has been removed from this page.]
[CLONK notes: the points below refer to the map (26KB).
If a baby bird falls out of its nest, place it back in -- birds generally have a poor sense of smell, and the parents should take it back.
If baby bunnies are found, leave the nest alone. The mother is probably close by. The babies are usually on their own when they are about the size of your hand, fully furred, and eyes open.
Other Baby Animals
Other baby animals such as squirrels, raccoons, deer, etc. are usually guarded by their mothers who may be close by and searching for food. Please do not touch nor move these animals unless directed by the staff at Trailside Museum.
Remember:
A wild animal mother has a special place for her litter...
Your litter has a special place, too-- a trash can!
This page is based on a publication of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois, adapted for the web as a public service by CLONK. This web site is unofficial, and not associated in any way with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. CLONK is not responsible for any errors, either in the original publication or in this web version. The information presented here follows the original Forest Preserve District publication as closely as possible, with minor variations such as choice of typeface and added web links. CLONK cautions that items such as names of public servants and telephone numbers are subject to change!
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