The Unburied Treasure Hunt

Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues onsite. All ages.

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

Nature Walk

Enjoy a spring walk along the trails.

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

Tuesday Mornings are for the Birds!

Join this six-week series to observe spring migration and the beauty of birds in their most beautiful breeding plumage.

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

Baby Buds

Join us for nature-themed interactive songs and stories. Ages 0-23 months w/ adult. Tickets first come, first served.

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

Meet Our Ambassador Animals

Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.

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

Little Red Rocks

Share or enjoy music and poetry as the sun sets during our open-mic night.

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

Wee Wonders: Wildflowers

Bring your little ones to learn about spring wildflowers and experience their beauty as they bloom. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

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

Everyone in Nature

Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.

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

2 Miles at 2

Join us for an afternoon walk. Ages 18 & up.

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

Senior Nature Club

Discover the natural world with nature-themed activities. Ages 55 & up.

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

S.E.N.I.O.R.S.

Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each month. Ages 55 & up.

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

Spring Ephemerals

Learn about spring’s earliest blooms on a short, guided walk.

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

Spring Ephemerals

Learn about spring’s earliest blooms on a short, guided walk.

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

Timberdoodle Talk & Trek

Learn, then observe the American woodcock courtship display in the darkening sky. Ages 7 & up.

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

Spring has Sprung

Discover something new in nature with University of Illinois Extension Volunteers. All ages.

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

Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Red-winged Blackbird

Sketch and paint using acrylic paints. For all skill levels. Materials provided. $5/person. Ages 13 & up.

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

Crafternoon

Let nature inspire art! Try your hand at different crafts suitable for people of all abilities. This is an accessible site.

Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, S Western Ave & W 87th St, Chicago, IL, 60620, United States

Woodcock Watch

Witness the magical courtship display of the male woodcock. Bring binoculars.

Country Lane Woods, IL

Camping Leadership Immersion Course

This overnight course teaches essential camping skills. Complete the course, then bring groups of up to 30 for overnight stays. Training required to access camping gear. $25/person.

Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest, IL, 60452, United States

Fitness Hike

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes are faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3.4 miles.

Sauk Trail Woods-Central, IL

Morning Bird Walk

Learn about spring bird migration patterns and look for local and migrant birds. Limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels of birding skills welcome!

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

Fishing Derby

Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing.

Papoose Lake, IL

Trash Bash

Make spring cleaning more sustainable! Our event partners will be collecting electronics, prescription drugs, household recyclables, bikes, clothing, plastic bags and much more. The Forest Preserves will be also be collecting books in good, clean condition. The first 2......More

Make spring cleaning more sustainable! Our event partners will be collecting electronics, prescription drugs, household recyclables, bikes, clothing, plastic bags and much more. The Forest Preserves will be also be collecting books in good, clean condition. The first 25 donors receive a free, “Don’t be Trashy” t-shirt. Grove 6. Partners CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials)Clothing Bin USACook County Department of Environment & SustainabilityCook County SheriffHabitat for HumanityIllinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)Midway MoversTerraCycleWorking BikesAccepted Items by Partner CHaRM GlassPlastic bottlesCardboardHard drives (for shredding)PolystyreneTextilesE-wasteClothing Bin USA Items: Clothing, shoes, household items, toys, and accessories.Accepted Details: Blouses, coats, dresses, hats, jackets, jeans, bedspreads, drapes, sheets, sofa covers, towels, backpacks, belts, pants, scarves, shirts, socks, suits, sweaters, swimsuits, ties, tops, formal wear, undergarments, and all baby/infant clothing.Household & Misc: Washcloths, blankets, curtains, quilts, toys (plastic, plush, and stuffed), gloves, handbags, costume jewelry, sleeping bags, shower curtains, pillows, baskets, wallets, purses, and tote bags.Not Accepted: Mattresses nothing wet or moldy.Cook County Sheriff Unwanted/expired prescription pillsCables, cell phones, and telephone devicesComputers, laptops, and hardware (motherboards, monitors, etc.)Calculators, printers, fax machines, and game systemsStereos, toasters, and blendersToner cartridges, UPS batteries, and car batteriesTelevisions (Limit: 1 per household)Offering off-site shreddingHabitat for Humanity Tools and artworkNew/unused building materialsWorking small appliancesLawn, garden, and home goodsIllinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Herbicide Containers: High-density polyethylene (HDPE).Requirements: Must be triple-rinsed, dry, and residue-free. Remove all caps and stickers. All sizes up to 55-gallon capacity accepted.Midway Movers (Off-Site Document Destruction) Paper documentsTerraCycle Plastic & Packaging: Clean plastic bags, flexible packaging, non-woven shopping bags, plastic grocery bags, cereal bags, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, and air cushions.Lightbulbs: Intact LEDs, Straight CFL, HID, and U-Bend lamps. (No broken bulbs!)Office Supplies: Binder clips, fasteners, binders, card filers, correction supplies, desk organizers, label backing, markers, paper cutters, and paperclips.Batteries: Dry cell batteries (Alkaline, nickel-cadmium, lithium, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, iron, zinc-carbon, and silver).Auto: Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS).Working Bikes Adult bikes (in repairable condition)Gently used children’s bikesBike parts, tools, and accessories

Miller Meadow-South, IL

Volunteer Workday

Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-17 w/ adult.

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

Woodworking with Invasives

Repurpose common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10–16 w/ adult.

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

R.I.P. Stewardship

Help us restore native habitats – Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. Children aged 15 & under w/adult.

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