Gardening Events

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  • Party for the Preserves event logo

    Party for the Preserves

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Join us in celebrating National Public Lands Day, a fun-filled event for all ages! Start your day with a refreshing prairie walk at 10:30 am, […]

    Free

  • Terrarium Building Workshop

    Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

    Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies provided. Ages 10 and up.

    Free • Registration Required

  • Terrarium Building Workshop

    Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171

    Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies and instruction provided. Ages 10 and […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • volunteers collecting seeds in a field at Deer Grove

    Seed Collecting

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Collect native seeds in our prairies to help in the restoration process. Ages 8 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • volunteers collecting seeds in a field at Deer Grove

    Seed Collecting

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Collect native seeds in our prairies to help in the restoration process. Ages 8 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Body Smart Gardening

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Learn about the clothing, tools and methods needed to stay healthy while gardening. A gardening tool or Smart Pot will be given as a door […]

    Free
  • volunteers collecting seeds in a field at Deer Grove

    Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie

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

    Join us for a prairie seed collecting workday. Ages 12 & up. Children 12-17 w/ adult.

    Free • Registration Required
  • a family exploring the trails at Crabtree Nature Center

    Ethnobotany Trail Exhibit

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Grab a hand-out and go on the trails! Discover how various cultures, especially indigenous communities, use plants.

    Free

  • A naturalist in the field presenting about flowers.

    Plants in the Military

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    To celebrate the upcoming Veterans Day, we will observe how plants were widely used in the military.

    Free
  • Thatcher Woods Pavilion building

    Conservation@Home: Seed Swap

    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    Bring some seeds and/or take some seeds home at this free swap. Experts will be available for advice.

    Free
  • The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

    From Spore to Table

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Learn how to cultivate mushrooms at home. Refreshments provided. Ages 16 & up.

    Free
  • A close-up of seeds in the palm of a person's hand.

    Seed Swap & Plant Exchange

    Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentations are followed by seed and plant sharing. Bring a mug; warm beverages provided.

    Free

  • A close-up of seeds in the palm of a person's hand.

    DIY Holiday Birdseed Wreath

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Help feed our feathered friends this holiday season with a cute, simple birdseed wreath. Materials provided. Ages 10 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A close-up of seeds in the palm of a person's hand.

    Seeds of the Future

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Join us for storytelling and a panel discussion followed by a seed swap. Presented by the Mbwakawen Harambee Collective.

    Free • Registration Required

  • Crabtree Nature Center building in Barrington Hills

    Houseplant Appreciation Day Swap

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Bring a cutting or plant in need of a home to swap for another.

    Free
  • A close-up of seeds in the palm of a person's hand.

    Conservation@Home: Seed Swap

    Featured
    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Bring and/or take seeds home at this free swap. Experts will be available for advice. Ages 13 & up.

    Free
  • A close-up of seeds in the palm of a person's hand.

    Conservation@Home: Winter Seed Sowing

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Use native seeds to make a winter sowing milk jug and take it home. Supplies provided. Ages 13 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A close-up of a person carving wood at a crafting event.

    Woodworking for Your Garden

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Create your own bat box or bee house for your garden! Supplies included. Waitlist available. Please note: This event has been relocated to the Trailside […]

    Free • Registration Closed
  • a Conservation at Home evaluator in a home garden.

    Introduction to Native Landscape Design

    Learn design principles, explore native plant selection and maintenance to create beautiful, climate-adapted landscapes that benefit wildlife. After the online workshop (part 1) on January […]

    Free • Registration Required

  • A close-up of a person carving wood at a crafting event.

    Woodworking for Your Garden

    Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

    Create your own bat box or bee house for your garden! Supplies included. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion. Waitlist available.

    Free • Registration Closed
  • Seed collecting bags showcasing various different seed types.

    Conservation @ Home: Seed Swap & Plant Exchange

    Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

    Bring and/or take some seeds and plants home at this free swap. Experts available for advice. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.

    Free

  • The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

    Houseplant 911

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Learn care tips, beginner basics and how to choose your flora friends.

    Free
  • people evaluating a home garden

    Conservation @ Home: Spring Ephemerals

    Virtual Event

    Have you ever wondered how some wildflowers bloom while the ground is still cold and the air feels like winter? Join University of Illinois Extension for this […]

    Free • Registration Required
  • Seed collecting bags showcasing various different seed types.

    Conservation @ Home: Seed Swap and Plant Exchange

    Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620

    Plant lover Unite! Native plant presentations are followed by seed and plant sharing. All Welcome. Bring a mug, warm beverage provided.

    Free
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Green Lake Gardening

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us restore the pollinator garden at Green Lake. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required

  • Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in summer.

    Plant Appreciation Day: The Under-appreciated Plants

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    Investigate some of the underappreciated gems that call Sagawau home on a short walk. Ages 18 & up.

    Free • Registration Required

  • Earth Day

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    There are many things you can do to celebrate our planet Earth. Help us pick up litter, make a bird feeder, take home a tree […]

    Free

  • Earth Day Celebration

    Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411

    Join us for a vibrant celebration of planet Earth, filled with interactive activities, games, and creative artmaking for the whole family! This event is designed […]

    Free

  • Earth Day Celebration

    Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Celebrate Earth’s biodiversity through stewardship, art and educational activities. Free plant giveaways. Drop in.

    Free

  • Earth Day, Nature Play

    Featured
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Celebrate Earth Day with fun nature activities. Design an upcycled toy planter, create art using natural materials and enjoy outdoor exploration.

    Free
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Green Lake Gardening

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us restore the pollinator garden at Green Lake. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required

  • An adult and child engaging in outdoor games at an event.

    Spring Festival

    Featured
    Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

    Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and much more!

    Free
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Green Lake Gardening

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Help us restore the pollinator garden at Green Lake. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required

  • A monarch butterfly.

    Butterfly Walk

    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    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 […]

    Free
  • A garden with a variety of native plantings

    Ethnobotany & The Power of Plants

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Discover the healing stories of Chicago’s landscapes in this immersive indoor-outdoor herbalism workshop. Led by University of Illinois-Extension.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A person scanning a plant with a phone application.

    Using Plant Identification Apps

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Presented in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension: Turn your smartphone into a powerful nature tool and learn how to identify plants with confidence […]

    Free • Registration Required

  • open prairie at Sand Ridge Nature Preserve

    Wild Edibles Walk

    Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

    Learn about wild plants with culinary and medicinal uses on a casual walk.

    Free • Registration Closed

  • looking up at a large bur oak tree

    Canceled Together for Trees

    Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827

    Kick it at Kickapoo Woods & Prairie! From casual walks and invigorating paddling excursions to peaceful wildlife watching and more. Kickapoo Woods offers something for […]

    Free
  • A set of weaving materials and tools.

    Weaving a Community

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Learn weaving techniques and its history as well as the natural history of invasive plants. Supplies provided.

    Free
  • two people in a canoe on the Little Calumet River

    Plant and Paddle

    Little Calumet Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60827 (near Riverdale)

    Help restore habitat by planting native species from canoes. Gear provided. Presented with Friends of the Chicago River.

    Free • Registration Required
  • two people in a canoe on the Little Calumet River

    Plant and Paddle

    Little Calumet Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60827 (near Riverdale)

    Help restore habitat by planting native species from canoes. Gear provided. Presented with Friends of the Chicago River.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Ruby-throated hummingbird at Bunker Hill. Photo by Tom Lally.

    The Jewels of Mexico

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    An indoor presentation explores the legend of hummingbirds and their cultural significance in Mexico. Followed by walk to hummingbird garden.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Wellness in the Woods logo

    Digital Detox in the Garden

    Weekly Wellness Programming
    Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646

    Learn how plants can help us disconnect from our devices. Led by Wandering Paths Founder and flower farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati.

    Free • Registration Required
  • A set of weaving materials and tools.

    Nature Weaving Workshop for Seniors

    Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

    Join local artist Phyllis Frick in exploring weaving with natural vegetation, seeds and more. Materials provided.

    Free • Registration Required
  • Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on cardinal flower at McCormick Woods. Photo by Fidencio Marbella.

    Happy Hummingbirds

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

    Visit the Hummingbird Garden to watch and learn about hummingbirds, gardening and feeder maintenance. English and Spanish. Drop in.

    Free

  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Garden Day

    Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

    Want to get your hands dirty? Help us grow the Trickster Cultural Center gardens! Call 847-301-2090 for more info.

    Free
  • A bumble bee on a flower.

    Green Lake Gardening

    Green Lake Woods • Calumet City, IL 60409

    Restore the garden and help pollinators. No experience needed. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • two people in a canoe on the Little Calumet River

    Paddle & Plant

    Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827

    Help restore habitat by planting native species from canoes. Presented with Friends of the Chicago River.

    Free • Registration Required
  • two people in a canoe on the Little Calumet River

    Paddle & Plant

    Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827

    Help restore habitat by planting native species from canoes. Presented with Friends of the Chicago River.

    Free • Registration Required
  • a Conservation at Home evaluator in a home garden.

    Herbal Tea Party

    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    It's teatime! Learn about native plants you can grow in the garden then sample different infused teas made from them.

    Free
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Garden Day

    Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

    Want to get your hands dirty? Help us grow the Trickster Cultural Center gardens! Call 847-301-2090 for more info.

    Free
  • Thatcher Woods Pavilion building

    Native American Fall Equinox

    Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

    A green corn celebration focused on traditional foods and the harvest season. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.

    Free
  • a garden with a Conservation@Home sign

    Conservation@Home: Rain Gardening 101

    Featured
    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Learn 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
  • Banner image for "Party for the Preserves" featuring the heading "National Public Lands Day."

    Party for the Preserves

    Featured
    River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

    Celebrate 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
  • Banner image for "Party for the Preserves" featuring the heading "National Public Lands Day."

    Party for the Preserves

    Featured
    Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

    Celebrate 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
  • Banner image for "Party for the Preserves" featuring the heading "National Public Lands Day."

    Party for the Preserves

    Featured
    Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480

    Celebrate 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

  • A bumble bee on a flower.

    Green Lake Gardening

    Green Lake Woods • Calumet City, IL 60409

    Restore the garden and help pollinators. No experience needed. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up.

    Free • Registration Required
  • group of people kneeling around sweetgrass garden

    Garden Day

    Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

    Want to get your hands dirty? Help us grow the Trickster Cultural Center gardens! Call 847-301-2090 for more info.

    Free