Oak Openings Preserve Metropark

Prickly-pear cactus, wild lupine and sand cherry bloom atop dry, hot sand dunes just yards away from orchids growing in low, wet swales. Such contrasts are what make the Oak Openings Region the subject of endless fascination for naturalists. The largest Metropark takes its name from the surrounding region, which is 23 times larger than the preserve. Oak Openings is a birder's paradise. It is the nesting place of bluebirds, indigo buntings, whippoorwills and many other species, as well as an excellent location to see migrating songbirds in the spring.