The Carruthers Nature Preserve, spanning 17 acres with 0.65 miles of trails, offers activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and dog-walking. Accessible from parking at West Skokie Nature Preserve, it was originally the Dickinson Estate, preserved by Lake Forest Open Lands in 2008. Through extensive restoration efforts, including invasive species removal and native plant enhancement, over 95% of the site is now free of woody invasive species. Collaborations with the Illinois Audubon Society and support from the Carruthers family have established it as an accessible birding and fishing destination.