Walk with Pride!

Take a self-guided walk and learn about LGBTQ2S+ people in conservation. 

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Pride in the Preserves: Flags & Exhibit

This “raised flags” exhibit highlights the contributions of LGBTQ2S+ conservation leaders whose work has shaped and inspired the conservation movement.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

Restoration Workday

Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-14 w/ adult.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

The Un-buried Treasure Hunt 

Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues along the trails to find the un-buried treasure.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

America’s Original Wildlife

As part of America 250, learn how iconic species helped shape America’s landscapes, ecosystems and culture. Ages 13 & up.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

The Buzz on Bees

Visit our beehives and meet the beekeepers to learn about bees, pollination and honey.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

What’s On The Menu?

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Jr. Naturalist Camp

Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm each day, this day camp is perfect for kids who love nature and want to become junior naturalists! Enjoy four exciting mornings of hands-on learning as you discover wildlife, plants and the wonders of the natural world in an interactive sett......More

Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm each day, this day camp is perfect for kids who love nature and want to become junior naturalists! Enjoy four exciting mornings of hands-on learning as you discover wildlife, plants and the wonders of the natural world in an interactive setting. Snacks are provided. Cost is $50 per child. Ages 7 to 9. Registration for all camps opens April 4 and must be completed in person with payment by cash or check.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Teen Biodiversity Day

Spend the day in the field with naturalists to discover the diversity of life in the Forest Preserves. Ages 13 & up.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Small Serendipity

Nature stories, crafts and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/adult.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Furry But Not Friendly

Join us for an indoor presentation on some of the mustelids (weasels) within Cook County. Ages 12 & up.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Wildlife Connections

Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Walk & Talk

Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. 2.5 miles.

Red Gate Woods

Night of Nature Play

Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores.

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, IL

Summer Artisan Series: Firefly Paint & Hike

Get crafty on select evenings. New topics each month.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Food Security Gardens with Native Plants

Explore native plants that are traditionally used as food. Led by Wandering Paths Founder and flower farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati.

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center, 6350 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646, United States

Stories in the Forest

Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

Owl Pellet Dissection

Dissect an owl pellet and learn about local owls. Supplies provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-17 w/ adult.

Swallow Cliff Woods-North, IL

Nature’s Art Box

Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Camping 101

Join us for a workshop to learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!

Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, IL, 60074, United States

Be a Better Birder: Birding Ethics

Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people and birds are minimally impacted during your trip.

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Fitness Hike

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3.6 miles.

Vollmer Road Grove, IL

Fridays in the Field

Drop-in to discover something new in nature with University of Illinois-Extension volunteers.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States

Community Paddle

Drop in and experience a guided paddle tour on a voyager canoe. Limited spots available first come, first served.

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch, IL

Fridays in the Field

University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities when the buildings are closed.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States

Evening Firefly Walk

Join us for a guided walk as twilight settles in and the fireflies begin to twinkle. Family program.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States

Nature’s Fireworks

As part of America 250, catch and learn about the glowing insects of twilight on a casual guided stroll.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills, IL, 60010

Bird Walk

Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels of birding skills welcome!

Eggers Grove, IL

ADA Nature Walk

Explore the forest and learn about local nature in this accessibility-focused walk.

Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West

Ecological Restoration Weekend

Contribute to conservation as you help restore Sagawau’s diverse ecosystems by removing invasive plants species.

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States