All Events

Events in Central Cook County

Winter Exploration Day

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

In partnership with the Portage Creek Boy Scouts, join us for an afternoon of winter activities including hikes, broom hockey, […]

Owls of Trailside

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Bring the family and meet one of our ambassador owls. Learn about the fascinating owls that call Trailside home.

Bone Appetit

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.

Winter Bird Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us for a casual bird walk to observe our resident birds and their behavior. Binoculars available to borrow.

Amazing Winter Residents

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Bring the family on a walk on our scenic trails! We will discuss some of the amazing year-round residents of […]

Woodworking with Invasives

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

Build your own walking stick using buckthorn. Please bring your own work gloves. Ages 12 & up.

Women in Conservation Walk

Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)

Join us for a 1.2-mile walk and discussion about women who have made significant contributions in the fields of conservation, […]

Women’s Walk

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

In celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, join us as we highlight conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and her work and […]

Fitness Hike

Brezina Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]

Marzanna Craft for Kids – in Polish

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Poznaj Słowiańską tradycję witania wiosny i stwórz własną “Marzannę”. Wstęp wolny, rejestracja pod numerem708-366-6530. Program dla dzieci do lat 12 […]

Teen Exploration Day: The Botany of Zelda

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Inspired by the Nintendo game, learn how the fictional plants of Hyrule Forest connect to our native plants. Ages 12-17.

Accessibility Trail Outing

Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)

Join us on a 1.7-mile paved trail with resting points throughout. Perfect for those who use wheelchairs or have  limited […]

Truckin’ Into Spring

Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)

In partnership with Go Ape Chicago, enjoy the Treetop Nets, a nature obstacle course, and more. Food trucks and vendors […]

Woodcock Walk at Wolf Road Prairie

Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)

Witness the amazing spring courtship flight of the male woodcock bird.

2nd Annual Trash Bash

Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)

Get inspired to do some spring cleaning at home, and we'll help keep the things you no longer need out […]

Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam!

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about a partial solar eclipse and view the eclipse through a special solar telescope and eclipse glasses  (weather permitting).