Crow Island Woods

Size
17.91 acres

History
The Winnetka Park District purchased Crow Island Woods in parcels from various families from 1919 – 1997.

Stewardship Plan
The Crow Island Woods Stewardship Plan was developed in 2011 to address environmental issues, storm damage, and emerald ash borer impacting the park. The Plan was developed in collaboration with the Village Forestry Department and consulting firms, The Pizzo Group and Ecology + Vision, LLC.

It was completed in five phases from 2016 to 2020 and included the following accomplishments.

• Removal of more than 100 dead and dying ash and mixed timber trees (majority ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer)
• Clearing and removal of invasive species (buckthorn, wild raspberry, etc.)
• 100+ new tree plantings, including red, white, swamp, and pin oaks as part of the Red Oak Savana preservation project, as well as other native trees to diversify the tree stand
• Prairie mix added to forest floor which will transition into a shade mix as the tree canopy develops