Poet Tree

Enjoy poetry on the trails to celebrate National Poetry Month. Submit your own stanza for our Poet Tree.

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

Story Trail: “It’s Spring” by Linda Glaser

Walk a short trail while reading the story before picking up a take-home craft and activity. Drop in.

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

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

Prairie Pages

Discuss Zoe Schlanger’s “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth.” In partnership with the Barrington Area Library.

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

Earth Day of Service

Improve the ecosystem health in the Forest Preserves by participating in ecological restoration. Groups welcome. Ages 12 & up.

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

Earth Day Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter pickers and supplies will be available to check out.

Jerome Huppert Woods

Nature at Night

A special Earth Day evening program to explore the world of nature after the sun sets. $5/person. All ages.

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

Yoga in the Preserves

Join this inspiring and creative vinyasa flow class led by Kim Eisendrath. $5/person.

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

Spring Wildflower Walk

Guided walk to discover blooming spring wildflowers, learn species and enjoy nature.

St. Mihiel Woods-East, IL

Be a Better Birder: Intermediate Bird ID

Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.

https://forms.gle/C7X9tSnVmUFC1AsSA

Beautiful Sounds at Sunset

Spend time outdoors with the sounds of nature and soothing instruments around a fire with certified instructor Gail. Bring a cushion. Ages 18 & up.

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

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!

Eggers Grove, IL

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

Tree Trek

Celebrate Arbor Day by learning about the trees that provide canopy during a tree ID and sensory walk.

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

Frogs

Learn how to recognize frog calls while enjoying a nocturnal walk.

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

Day Hiking Leadership Training

For teachers and youth educators! Free training provides all the tools to take groups out to the Forest Preserves for the day.

Bemis Woods-North, IL

Morning Bird Stroll

Join us for a slow trail walk to spot migrating birds. Limited binoculars available for loan.

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

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 1. Partners CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials)Clothing Bin USACook County SheriffCook County Department of Environment & SustainabilityHabitat for HumanityIllinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)Metropolitan Mayors Caucus / Feed the LoopMetropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)Midway MoversTerraCycleThe Struggling Black Girl Magic ClubWorking 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).The Struggling Black Girl Magic Club Skateboards (any size, style, or condition)Roller or inline skates (any size, style, or condition)Non‑motorized scooters (any size, style, or condition)Protective gear (excluding helmets)Shoe laces (must be fully intact)InsolesToe or skate stopsGrip tapeSkate wheels (any condition)Disinfectant spray (does not need to be full, but should contain some product)Allen/hex keys (any size)Skate plates (any size or condition)School uniform pieces (any size, style, or color items with minor damage such as pilling or broken zippers are welcome)Black gym shoes (any size should be in wearable condition)Laundry detergent (any brand open containers are welcome)Working Bikes Adult bikes (in repairable condition)Gently used children’s bikesBike parts, tools, and accessories

Dan Ryan Woods-Central, IL

Ecological Restoration Weekend

Put your muscles to work while helping restore habitats by removing invasive plants. Equipment provided.

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

Kinder-explorers

A program to inspire outdoor inquiry through stories and activities. Ages 5-7 w/ adult. Siblings welcome.

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

Wild About Play

Ready to craft, create, and unleash your wild side? Swing by and take on the challenge: design paper mache enrichment items that’ll spark joy for our amazing ambassador animals! We’ll supply all the materials—you bring the brilliance. Groups welcome.

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

Spring Nature Camp

Join us for a free, all-ages, one-day spring camp at Rolling Knolls featuring cultural teachings, crafts, storytelling, outdoor games and more.

Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Green Lake Gardening

Help us restore the pollinator garden at Green Lake. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

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

Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour

Experience the Freedom Seekers’ story through the Calumet Region with the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Registration opens one month before the program.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

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

Ecological Restoration Weekend

Put your muscles to work while helping restore habitats by removing invasive plants. Equipment provided.

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

Yoga

Bring a yoga mat and towel. Ages 18 & up.

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