Evening Film: “The Magic Stump”
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at Thatcher Pavilion for a screening of “The Magic Stump” – the story of an Illinois tree stump […]
Join us at Thatcher Pavilion for a screening of “The Magic Stump” – the story of an Illinois tree stump […]
Join us for a short presentation to learn about our local owls and observe them on the trail. Ages 12 […]
Join us for an indoor presentation to learn about unique adaptations of owls that make them silent, skilled nocturnal hunters.
Enjoy a leisurely nature hike with stops at feeding stations to observe birds’ amazing winter behaviors.
Listen for owls as part of the annual Christmas Bird Count with John Elliott from the Chicago Bird Alliance. Ages […]
Join us and a special guest for a talk about owls.
Join us for an up-close look at the brave birds staying local during winter at our feeders. Hot chocolate provided.
Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure other people—and most importantly birds—are minimally impacted during your trip.
What birds are visiting the feeding station? Enjoy watching the feeders on a paved surface. Binoculars available for loan. Weather […]
Watch and learn about winter birds at our feeders while playing nature-themed board games. Ages 14 & up.
Learn about some of the surprising adaptations and behaviors birds use to survive winters deep freeze with an indoor presentation. […]
Woodpeckers are well adapted for their environment. Join us for a short presentation and a stroll to observe these wonderful […]
We’ll observe bird feeder action while noshing on bagels and coffee inside the Museum, then head outdoors for a guided […]
Bring your favorite coffee with you and enjoy watching the bird feeders from inside our newly renovated exhibit room.
This program is great for beginners who want to learn about building a birding kit, techniques and finding resources.
Start your morning with birds and bagels! Enjoy a treat while observing local birds at our feeders. Bagels, light refreshments […]
Join a naturalist and explore the forest. We’ll investigate animal tracks, identify deciduous trees and observe the winter birds. Grove […]
Prepare a house for the upcoming nesting season. Limited space. One birdhouse per family. $5 suggested donation. Ages 10 & […]
Bring the family and meet one of our ambassador owls. Learn about the fascinating owls that call Trailside home.
Enjoy a brief introduction to owls and their amazing adaptations and skills followed by a short walk on our trails […]
Help us celebrate owls and learn what makes them so unique!
Learn birding basics in the warmth of our newly remodeled nature center.
Discover how to make your yard and home bird-friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.
Join us for a casual bird walk to observe our resident birds and their behavior. Binoculars available to borrow.
Learn the basics of bird identification by identifying birds using size and shape as well as the lingo used by […]
Welcome back migrating birds by making a birdhouse just in time for spring nesting season. Ages 18 & up or […]
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Join us as we peer through a spotting scope and watch for migratory waterfowl. Ages 14 & up.
Join us we introduce you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.
Bring your favorite optics as we walk to view our wetland arrivals.
Nearly all Forest Preserves events are free; some require registration and/or a low fee. Residents may qualify for free admission opportunities at our partners: Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Printed copies of our quarterly Events Guide are available at our Nature Centers and General Headquarters. They may also be available at your local city hall or library. Know a location that should have our Events Guide? Contact us.
Events Guide (PDF)Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreSign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpThe Forest Preserves is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Nature Center hosting your event or program 72 hours in advance to request reasonable accommodations or inquire about site accessibility.
Please contact Experience.Nature@cookcountyil.gov or 708-771-1573 about accommodations for specific camping and outdoor recreation activities.