Geology & Herpetology - The Bridging of Two Sciences

What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between how the ......More

What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between how the shape of the land effects the different species of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow changes in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking is involved. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

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

Volunteer Workday

Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 8 & up ages 8-14 w/adult.

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

Nature Wellness Walk

Reconnect with nature. Relax and meditate during a leisurely walk. Ages 18 & up.

Bemis Woods-North, IL

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

Little Cal Paddles

Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour

Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers. Presented with the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Registration opens one month prior to event date.

Beaubien Woods Boat Launch

Beaubien Woods Celebration

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to enjoy, including archery, canoeing and engaging activities from our community partners. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast ......More

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to enjoy, including archery, canoeing and engaging activities from our community partners. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a memorable family outing, there’s something for everyone at this celebration. Admission to the Beaubien Woods Celebration is FREE. While registration is not required, it helps us ensure we have the resources to accommodate everyone in attendance. The event is outside rain or shine. Canoe slots are limited and is first come, first served. Additionally, feel free to join the Midwest Underground Railroad Network for a guided bus tour exploring the powerful history of the Underground Railroad in our region. The bus tour runs from 11 am to 1:30 pm online registration required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/gvsug4j  

Beaubien Woods, IL

Wildlife Pride Walk

Join a 1.6-mile guided walk to learn about the diverse relationships and anatomy of native wildlife.

Bemis Woods-South, IL

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

Night of the Frogs/ Noche de las Ranas

Join our bilingual night walk to hear seasonal frog calls and other nocturnal creatures. Ages 16 & up.

Camp Shabbona Woods, 15810 S Torrence Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473, United States

Sunrise Hike

Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day. Gates and restroom open 15 minutes prior to start time.

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

Morning 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! Presented by the Chicago Bird Alliance.

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

LGBTQ2S+ Nature Trivia

Join us for a celebration of all things queer in nature.

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

Wee Wonders: Woodpeckers

Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.

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

Trailside Summer Bluegrass Jam

As part of America 250, join this all-American music jam! Come play or listen. Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own.

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

All About Snakes

Learn about local snakes.

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

Nature Explorers Camp

Hosted daily from 10 am to noon, this day camp invites young explorers to uncover the treasures of nature through guided hikes, creative art projects and fun outdoor activities. Snacks are provided. Cost is $35 per child. Ages 5 to 6. Registration for all camps opens Ap......More

Hosted daily from 10 am to noon, this day camp invites young explorers to uncover the treasures of nature through guided hikes, creative art projects and fun outdoor activities. Snacks are provided. Cost is $35 per child. Ages 5 to 6. 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

Butterfly Walk

Kick off Pollinator Week with a guided butterfly walk! Join a trained local butterfly monitor as we discover which species are visiting the center, learn to identify them, and explore the native plants that sustain them. Meet at the nature center exhibit building.

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

Animal Enrichment Studio

Join us for an ADA-accessible event where you’ll create new items for our ambassador animals and then watch how enrichment is used as an important part of their care.

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

Community Fishing Clinic

Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will learn about basic fishing skills including casting techniques, baiting hooks and native fish ident......More

Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will learn about basic fishing skills including casting techniques, baiting hooks and native fish identification. Live bait, tackle and loaner poles will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring personal equipment. This program is suggested for families new to fishing and novice anglers, ages 6-15.

Cermak Woods, IL

Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies enchant and inspire people across the globe, but there is much more to these beautiful beetles than just pretty lights. Join a Sagawau Firefly Expert for a discussion of their ecology and a firefly viewing along our trails. Ages 12 & up.

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

Morning Prairie Walk

Join us for a hike around Phantom Prairie. Ages 12 & up.

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

Senior Fitness Walk

Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.

Thatcher Woods

Fishing Bass-ics

Get hooked on the basics of fishing as we tackle new topics and activities each class. Today we’ll learn what a fish actually is, go over knots and rods, play a casting‑practice game and then see what we can catch in the pond.

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