Meandering Mondays

Join us for an afternoon guided stroll.

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

Field Science Workshop: Biodiversity

Join us for a workshop from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, hosted in partnership with the Illinois Science Teaching Association and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.  Participants will discover the diversity of life in the Forest Preserves and its interconnectedness with our ur......More

Join us for a workshop from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, hosted in partnership with the Illinois Science Teaching Association and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.  Participants will discover the diversity of life in the Forest Preserves and its interconnectedness with our urban ecological landscape. The 3-day workshop is structured around a series of discussions and hands-on field investigations that will prepare teachers to help students think critically about global biodiversity and its threats, using local examples. Each day will focus on different aspects of the Chicago Region’s biodiversity by Forest Preserves of Cook County naturalists, which will include biodiversity in the urban environment, local ecosystems, ornithology, invertebrates, mammals, local flora and more. An NGSS session led by the Illinois Science Teaching Association will further prepare teachers to bring their experiences back to the classroom. Although targeted for educators of grades 6 through 12, all educators and interested nature lovers are welcome to register for this workshop. 15 CPDUs are available through ISTA for a fee of $75. Email Sagawau for the registration link at [email protected].

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

Nature Discovery Camp

Children ages 10 to 11 are invited to a morning of outdoor activities from 9 am to 12 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in bird watching, fishing, insect catching, hands-on wildlife discovery, and treasure hunts. Snacks will be provided. The cost is $......More

Children ages 10 to 11 are invited to a morning of outdoor activities from 9 am to 12 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in bird watching, fishing, insect catching, hands-on wildlife discovery, and treasure hunts. Snacks will be provided. The cost is $50 per child. Please note that registration for all camps opens on April 5 and must be completed in person, using cash or check only.

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

Weekly Programming at Camp Reinberg

Love art and nature? Join the like-minded nature enthusiasts Deer Grove Nature Artists. BYO-art supplies.

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

Junior Naturalist Walk

Earn a Junior Naturalist badge by participating in a guided walk and indoor activities.

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 miles.

John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot

Nature Play-Date

Join other families in our nature play area for fun and socializing.

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

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 miles.

Yankee Woods

Summer Painting

Paint and create summer art. Ages 6-12 with parent or guardian present.

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

Stories in the Forest Drop-in

Join the River Forest Public Library and the Trailside Museum for our free “Stories in the Forest” programs! We will read children’s stories and then engage in a simple nature activity. This program is designed for children from birth to age 5, accompanied by an adult. ......More

Join the River Forest Public Library and the Trailside Museum for our free “Stories in the Forest” programs! We will read children’s stories and then engage in a simple nature activity. This program is designed for children from birth to age 5, accompanied by an adult. Please meet at the gazebo in the outdoor nature play area of the Trailside Museum. Note that the program will be canceled in the event of rain.

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

Clean Up & Explore

Presented with the Hive Center for the Book Arts and Niles-Maine Library, do your part to help keep the Forest Preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies available for check out.

Caldwell Woods, IL

Pokémon: Native Animals

Become a trainer and create Pokémon cards featuring our local animals. Ages 6 & up.

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

Teen Exploration Day: Clean Up & Explore

Earn service hours and help keep the Forest Preserves clean! Litter pick-up supplies available for check out.

Caldwell Woods, IL

Camping 101

1.5-hour workshop to learn basic camping skills like setting up a tent, building a fire, dressing for the weather and more!

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

Fridays in the Field

Led by the University of Illinois Extension, discover something new in nature when the buildings are closed.

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

Fridays in the Field

Discover something new in nature. Presented by the Master Naturalist program of the University of Illinois Extension.

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

Fishing for Community / Pescando Conexiones (Drop-In)

Join us for a morning of fishing on Trailside’s pond. This bilingual event offers a unique opportunity to learn the basics of fishing from our experts, build connections with others and enjoy the beauty of nature together in a welcoming atmosphere. All instructions and ......More

Join us for a morning of fishing on Trailside’s pond. This bilingual event offers a unique opportunity to learn the basics of fishing from our experts, build connections with others and enjoy the beauty of nature together in a welcoming atmosphere. All instructions and equipment provided! For all ages, no registration is required. – Acompáñenos para una mañana de pesca en el estanque de Trailside. Este evento bilingüe ofrece una oportunidad única para aprender los conceptos básicos de la pesca con nuestros expertos, establecer conexiones con otros y disfrutar juntos de la belleza de la naturaleza en un ambiente acogedor. ¡Se proporcionan todas las instrucciones y el equipo! Para todas las edades, no se necesita inscripción.

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

Insect Inquiry: Dragonflies

Last Friday each month, learn about a highlighted insect.

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

History of the Lagoons Paddle

Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by way of water. Equipment provided.

Tower Road

National Moth Week - Evening Mothing

Learn about and see our elusive night-time pollinators – Moths, through a short indoor program, followed by observing live moths attracted to our luminous outdoor “moth traps”. For adults and children 8+ w/adult.

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

Fishing for Women by Women

Introduction to fishing for women of all skill levels. Supported by Get Hooked LLC. Learn basics, techniques and connect with nature. Ages 16 & up.

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

Ecological Restoration Weekend

Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools available for loan.

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

Nature Wellness Walk

Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk.

Sunset Bridge Meadow

ESL Meetup

Take a guided walk with other English Language Learners and discuss nature-related topics with other adult English Language Learners. All ages.

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

Creative Sustainability Workshop: Paper Making

Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion, learn how to make your paper with recycled materials. Supplies provided.

Swallow Cliff Woods-North, IL

Indigenous Games & Activities

Join the American Indian Center of Chicago for traditional Indigenous games and physical activities.

Thatcher Woods

The “Freedom Trail” Bus & Walking Tour

Join a narrated bus tour/walk to learn about the “Freedom Seekers” who came through the Calumet region. Presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Feeding Time

Learn about the diets of our ambassador animals, their habitats and observe a feeding demonstration.

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