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)Helping Hands Clothes and ShoesCook 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-wasteHelping Hands Clothes and Shoes 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

Meet Our Ambassador Animals

Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.

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

Wellness in the Woods: Yoga

Join us for a free one-hour class focused on building stability, flexibility and relaxation through the practices of breath-work, mindful movement and meditation. Liz, from Serendipity Yoga and Wellness in Homewood, will help you bring balance and ease to your mind and ......More

Join us for a free one-hour class focused on building stability, flexibility and relaxation through the practices of breath-work, mindful movement and meditation. Liz, from Serendipity Yoga and Wellness in Homewood, will help you bring balance and ease to your mind and body through a series of seated, kneeling, lying and standing poses. Please come dressed comfortably in active wear with your yoga mat and a blanket/towel for kneeling (if you have one). The class will be held indoors.

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

Signs of Spring Walk

Look for blooming wildflowers, listen for animals and take in the smells of spring’s arrival. All ages. 3.4 miles.

Palos Park Woods-North

Weaving with Weeds: Spindle Wall Hanging

Learn about the history of basketry/weaving techniques and create a small wall hanging with invasive plants. Ages 16 & up.

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

Woodcock Walk

Join us to learn about woodcocks followed by a walk to see their awesome display and behaviors.

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

Nature Wellness Walk

Immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and all the beauty it has to offer. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led by certified forest bathing guides during these slow and leisurely walks that can lead to improved mental and physical health. A beau......More

Immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and all the beauty it has to offer. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led by certified forest bathing guides during these slow and leisurely walks that can lead to improved mental and physical health. A beautiful tea ceremony will be conducted after the walk. These walks are designed for those 18 and older. Offered by the University of Illinois Extension.

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

GPS Scavenger Hunt

Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. All ages.

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

Arab American Heritage Celebration

Experience art making, cultural showcases and more honoring Arab American culture and contributions. Drop in.

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

GPS Scavenger Hunt

Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. All ages.

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

Plant Appreciation Day: The Under-appreciated Plants

Investigate some of the underappreciated gems that call Sagawau home on a short walk. Ages 18 & up.

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

Bluegrass Jam

Build a simple instrument with us or bring your own guitar, fiddle, etc. All are welcome to play or listen.

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

GPS Scavenger Hunt

Learn about and participate in a technology-inspired scavenger hunt. All ages.

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

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