Palmisano Park Natural Area

Witness throughout the seasons the changing colors and textures of Palmisano Park Natural Area, formerly known as Stearns Quarry. This is the site of an ancient coral reef dating back to the Silurian age 400 million years ago. Dolomite limestone formed, and fossils that were found here are now in the collections of several area museums including Field Museum of Natural History. Today, visitors to Palmisano Park can go fishing, stroll along a wetland, watch for birds and other wildlife, fly kites in an open meadow, or take in the views of the cityscape.

The Chicago Park District's Natural Areas team and the The Nature Conservancy's Illinois Chapter work together to connect people to the nature through the Community Stewardship Program, where local residents serve as volunteer stewards and lead habitat restoration workdays.