Education
Events
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Adaptive Cycling – Fitting, Skills and Riding
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)Participants experience personalized bike fittings, hands-on skill development, and a guided ride to build confidence, independence, and enjoyment on adaptive cycles. Grove 20.
Free -
Camping 101
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!
Free -
Paddle & Plant
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Help restore habitat by planting native species from canoes. Presented with Friends of the Chicago River.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Nature Club
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Discover nature through activities. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Seniors can deepen their connection to the outdoors with fresh, engaging nature programs offered each month. Ages 55 […]
Free -
Adaptive Cycling – Fitting, Skills and Riding
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Participants experience personalized bike fittings, hands-on skill development, and a guided ride to build confidence, independence, and enjoyment on adaptive cycles. Grove 6.
Free -
Faire at the Square-Drop-in
FeaturedCummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy our "creative-reuse carnival" with themed games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes and learn about local plants and animals.
Free -
Be a Better Birder: How Birds Got Their Names
Virtual EventLearn about how scientists name birds and the history of common names for birds. Also, we will look at the future changes that bird names […]
Free • Registration Required -
Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn how to use ecologically beneficial plants, sample garden plates and simple design techniques. Led by Master Naturalist Sara Strother.
Free • Registration Required -
Moth Picnic
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a nighttime moth attraction hike and see which moths appear on our white sheet under black light.
Free • Registration Required -
Adaptive Kayaking – Provider Training
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480A hands-on, skills-based session that equips local providers with the tools, techniques, and confidence to safely deliver inclusive paddling experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
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Nature Wellness Walk
Linne Woods • Morton Grove, IL 60053Practice mindfulness and meditation during this leisure walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension. Ages 18 & up. Grove 2.
Free • Registration Required -
Adaptive Kayaking – Experience and Skill Development
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Participants experience a safe, supportive introduction to adaptive kayaking, using specialized equipment and guided instruction to build confidence, independence, and connection on the water.
Free -
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Adaptive Kayaking – Experience and Skill Development
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Participants experience a safe, supportive introduction to adaptive kayaking, using specialized equipment and guided instruction to build confidence, independence, and connection on the water.
Free -
Intro to Paddling
Wampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)Join Friends of the Chicago River for a fun day of introductory paddling.
Free • Registration Closed -
Meet Our Ambassador Animals
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.
Free -
Fall Nature Fest
FeaturedLaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Engage with local environmental groups and businesses while enjoying food, games, Jesse White Tumblers, and animal ambassadors. Groves 1–4.
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Hummingbird Photography Workshop
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join nature photographer, Jim Vincent to learn how and when to take amazing pictures of hummingbirds using your camera and cell phone. The indoor presentation […]
Free • Registration Required -
Paddle at Beaubien Woods
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Paddle along the Little Calumet River. All ages. First come, first served.
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What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
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Sunrise Hike
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Step 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 […]
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Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
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Herbal Tea Party
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062It's teatime! Learn about native plants you can grow in the garden then sample different infused teas made from them.
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Hoarders!
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn how local animals are scurrying about and stocking up in preparation for winter.
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What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free -
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
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Canceled Adult Night Hike
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)BYOB (no glass) and enjoy the night sky before taking part in a guided hike. Ages 21 & up. 1.5 miles.
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Walk & Talk: Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Canceled Nature Arts for Health
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Experience nature, art and wellness in this fun, interactive class using rocks to create art. Led by University of Illinois Extension.
Free -
Nature Thursdays ‘What is climate change?’ 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.
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Be a Better Birder: Get Ready for Urban Birding Festival
Virtual EventLearn about the Urban Birding Festival and how to prepare, what to bring, where to go!
Free • Registration Required -
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities when the buildings are closed.
Free -
History of the Lagoons Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Explore the Skokie Lagoons by water. Equipment provided. Presented with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Free • Registration Closed -
Palos Night Sky Picnic
FeaturedPioneer Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join us for the 3rd Annual Palos Night Sky Picnic! Explore the Palos Preserves at night, nestled within the largest Urban Night Sky Place. Bring your […]
Free • Registration Required -
Birding Across Habitats
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Naturalist-led hike searching for birds in woodlands, prairies and wetlands. All birding levels welcome. Binoculars available for loan.
Free -
Prairie Birding
Orland Grassland South • Cook County, IL 60467 (near Orland Park)Free -
Buckthorn Dyeing Workshop
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Join Katelyn Patton to learn basics of plant-based dyes while deepening your relationship to local ecology.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. Presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network.
Free -
Feeding Time
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn about the diets of our ambassador animals, their habitats and observe a feeding demonstration.
Free -
Canceled Solar Day – Drop-in
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Meet our partners from NW Suburban Astronomy as we safely view our nearest star. Scopes will be setup near the parking lot.
Free -
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Celebrate diverse, vibrant Hispanic cultures with dance performances, arts and nature education, and local food! Center of Peruvian Arts performance at 12 pm, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec […]
Free • Registration Required -
Monarchs
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn how monarchs make their journey to Mexico during a presentation, followed by a hike.
Free • Registration Required -
Teen Exploration Day: Pond Dipping
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Drop in at the Redwing Trail pond to observe wetland inhabitants and macroorganisms. Geared towards teens & their families.
Free -
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
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“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals.
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Birding by Kayak
Busse Lake Boating Center • Cook County, IL 60007 (near Elk Grove Village)Join a naturalist and kayak as we look for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events.
$30 • Registration Required -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
Free -
Sukkah Building
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join community members to decorate a miniature sukkah from natural materials. All ages are welcome!
Free -
Insects of Autumn
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Look for different insects as fall begins.
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What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free -
Native American Fall Equinox
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305A green corn celebration focused on traditional foods and the harvest season. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
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Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
Free -
Conservation@Home: Rain Gardening 101
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn about rain gardening and how this water management strategy can benefit your yard. Presented with Master Gardener Sara Strother. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Monarchs & Milkweed
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn about monarch habitat, conservation efforts and milkweed during a guided walk.
Free -
Monarchs & Milkweed
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn about monarch habitat, conservation efforts and milkweed during a guided walk.
Free -
Be a Better Birder: Understanding Migration
Virtual EventMany bird species stop-over in Cook County during migration. Learn about why and how birds make this journey.
Free • Registration Required -
Harvest Moon Evening Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate the September harvest moon with a peaceful walk through the woods as twilight descends. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Owl Prowl
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Introduction to owls followed by a relaxing walk to search for owls.
Free • Registration Required -
Moon Festival
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the season under the glow of the full moon with guided forest‑therapy walks, moon‑viewing and sharing of traditional mooncakes during this Asian cultural festival. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Party for the Preserves
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate National Public Lands Day at our annual Party for the Preserves. Arrive in the morning and make a toy boat with natural materials and […]
Free -
Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the places that bring us together with a day of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy a bilingual prairie walk, family activities, hands-on seed […]
Free -
Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserves
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Dance into National Public Lands Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of live music, salsa dancing and festive outdoor fun. Bring your family and friends […]
Free • Registration Required -
Every Child Matters Powwow
Bunker Hill • Niles, IL 60714Celebrate Native American culture. Enjoy traditional Powwow, native food, and listen to stories. Register: call 773-883-9100. Grove 1.
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Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCamp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a day of activities. Paddle in 10-person canoes with Wilderness Inquiry. Funkadesi brings joyful tunes blending music from around the world. View the night sky with telescopes and walks. Noon–3 pm: 4H Kick off, […]
Free • Registration Required -
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free -
Party for the Preserves: Acoustics Under the Stars
FeaturedCamp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the connection between public lands and folk music with performances, a guided walk and hot dog roast. Bring your own instruments and join in […]
Free • Registration Required -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
Free -
Party for the Preserves: Canoeing
FeaturedPowderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Celebrate National Public Lands Day. Paddle in 10-person canoes with Wilderness Inquiry. All equipment provided. Enjoy fun family activities. 10 am–2 pm: Paddling & family […]
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Therapy
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Join us for a guided, meditative walk to connect back to nature and to ourselves. Led by an Illinois Master Naturalist. Ages 18 & up. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Music in Nature
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Migration is adaptive, exploratory, brave, exhilarating, ancestral. Missing Piece, a Chicago-based violin/cello duo, expresses the beauty and the challenge of migration in this particular time […]
Free • Registration Required -
What’s On The Menu?
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free -
Wildlife Connections
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy. All ages.
Free
