Central Cook County
Events
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
Free -
Roving Seed-Collecting Team
Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525Join the roving seed-collecting team! You’ll explore different preserves, learn to identify native plants and make a direct impact on habitat restoration efforts. No experience […]
Free • Registration Required -
NEWTS: Stewardship Days for New Volunteers
Native Seed Nursery • Western Springs, IL 60558Learn how to collect seeds of native plants. You’ll experience nature in a whole new way and help conserve biodiversity. Beginners welcome!
Free • Registration Required -
Eco-Print Dyeing Workshop
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Create an eco-print with fall leaves and learn how to make your own mini plant press.
Free • Registration Required -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals.
Free -
Sacred Wanderings in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join Unity Temple of Oak Park as we practice connecting with nature. People with physical challenges are easily accommodated. For info, email [email protected].
Free -
Weaving with Weeds: Cattail Mat
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about the history of basketry/weaving techniques and create a small project with a common invasive plant. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Ofrendas Sagradas: Una Ofrenda del Día de Muertos
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Visita nuestra ofrenda tradicional en exhibición del 12 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, honrando a los ancestros a través de ofrendas, símbolos y la […]
Free -
Entre Mundos: Una Celebración del Día de Muertos
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Conmemora el Día de Muertos con danzantes aztecas, explorando el significado de los altares, las tradiciones espirituales y la profunda importancia de honrar a los […]
Free -
Indigenous Scary Storytelling
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy listening to traditional and contemporary supernatural stories shared by the American Indian Center.
Free -
Forest Preserves of Cook County Research Symposium
Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL 60513This event is for everyone interested in research at the Forest Preserves to share knowledge, activities and opportunities for future research to foster relationships and […]
$25 • Registration Required -
Nature Thursdays ‘Skeletons from Trailside’s Collections’ Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun themed activities for all ages. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists.
Free -
Nature Book Club: “Backyard Bird Chronicles”
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Join a lively book discussion about “Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan.
Free • Registration Required -
Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie
Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)Join us for a prairie seed collecting workday and learn about history of remnant prairie. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Spooky Stories & S ’mores
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Trick-or-treat, paint a pumpkin, listen to spooky stories and more. Costumes encouraged! Presented with the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library.
Free -
Costumed Scavenger Hunt Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Wear your costume while walking through our autumn woods while finding hidden (nut-free) treats.
Free • Registration Required -
Hike, Read & Write
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join a naturalist for a hike, followed by a poetry writing workshop. Presented with Poets & Patrons.
Free -
Night at the Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Step into the shadows for eerie animal encounters, exploration of the 1876 mansion, live musical performances, and the strange wonders lurking in the night woods. […]
Free • Registration Required -
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Nation of Nations
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Trailside is hosting an exhibit celebrating tribal diversity of contemporary Indigenous Communities whose ancestral homelands are the Great […]
Free -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Story Trail “Giving Thanks” by Chief Jake Swamp
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail while reading a story.
Free -
Sacred Wanderings in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join Unity Temple of Oak Park as we practice connecting with nature. People with physical challenges are easily accommodated. For info, email [email protected].
Free -
Day Hiking Leadership Training
Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)For teachers/youth educators! This training gives you all the tools to take groups out into the preserves for the day.
Free • Registration Required -
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Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
Free -
America 250: Americana Folk Art
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Learn how to carve a linoleum block and learn about Americana folk art. Materials provided. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful meditation and guided forest therapy walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteers.
Free • Registration Required -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Photography Walk
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Enjoy a guided walk to photograph and view seasonal nature. For all levels and camera types.
Free -
Bird Painting Step-by-Step: Pileated Woodpecker
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305For both beginners and more experienced artists. Materials provided. Cost: $5/person. Ages 18 & up.
$5 • Registration Required -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals.
Free
