Southwest Cook County
Events
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Summer Wildflower Walk
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Join a guided walk to discover blooming summer wildflowers, learn about species and enjoy nature.
Free -
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 -
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Canceled Fitness Hike
Vollmer Road Grove • Cook County, IL 60478 (near Country Club Hills)Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. 3.6 […]
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Canceled Hummingbird Trivia
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a day of trivia to learn about hummingbirds in our hummingbird garden. Ages 13 & up.
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Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Visit Sagawau’s bird banders to see and learn about banding. Drop in.
Free -
Native American Heritage Wildflower Walk
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)As part of America 250, honor Native American culture and focus on their deep, respectful and reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
Free -
Camping 101
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a workshop to learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!
Free -
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 -
Painting by the Slough
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Enjoy the beauty of freshwater ecosystems through watercolor painting. All levels welcome. Supplies include paper, watercolor palettes and paint brushes. Feel free to bring an […]
Free • Registration Closed -
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants […]
Free • Registration Required -
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 […]
Free • Registration Required -
Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.
Free -
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 […]
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Trace Monotype Printing
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Learn about monotype printmaking! Create your own one-of-a-kind print. Materials provided. All levels welcome. Drop in.
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Canceled Wellness in the Woods: Fitness Walk
Yankee Woods • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)Join a Master Naturalist for a brisk walk around this 3-mile paved trail.
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Hummingbird Fest
FeaturedSagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Let's celebrate hummingbirds and learn how they connect nature, people and culture. View hummingbirds in the garden, chat with naturalist staff all things hummingbirds, visit […]
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Intro to Kayaking Class
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.
Free • Registration Closed -
Summertime Stories
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art and activities. Ages 10 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Naturalist Night Out: Senses
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join us for a themed stroll under the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place.
Free -
The Jewels of Mexico
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439An indoor presentation explores the legend of hummingbirds and their cultural significance in Mexico. Followed by walk to hummingbird garden.
Free • Registration Required -
Insect Investigation
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join a naturalist as we investigate this fascinating group of organisms.
Free • Registration Required -
Little Red Rocks
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Share or enjoy music and poetry as the sun sets during our open-mic night.
Free • Registration Required -
Walk & Talk
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Partial Eclipse of the Moon
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Bring a chair and experience a breathtaking partial total lunar eclipse as it slowly transforms the night sky.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Walk & Talk: Champion Tree Hike
Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Walk & 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 Listening to Nature
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Rescheduled for October 3, 2026: https://fpdcc.com/event/listening-to-nature-2/ W. Long will lead us in an exploration of the soundscape via the trails of the Sagawau Environmental Learning […]
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Meet the Birds
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Stop by to see our birds at mealtime.
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Happy Hummingbirds
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Visit the Hummingbird Garden to watch and learn about hummingbirds, gardening and feeder maintenance. English and Spanish. Drop in.
Free -
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Fall Bees
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Experience fall bees during a guided hike with sweep-netting.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall in the Prairie
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join a naturalist as we take in the sights and sounds of fall in the prairie. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Autumn Wings
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a fall walk-and-talk to learn about the wild and amazing life of our native butterflies.
Free -
Adaptive Climbing – Provider Training
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452A hands-on, skills-based session that equips local providers with the tools, techniques, and confidence to safely deliver inclusive climbing experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
Free -
Adaptive Climbing – Experience and Skill Development
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Participants challenge themselves on a fully supported climbing experience designed for all ability levels.
Free -
Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for an inclusive sensory-based experience where individuals of all abilities and homeschool learners can explore and connect with nature through hands-on activities. Participants […]
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 -
Crafternoon: Printmaking
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Create a nature print project (tote bag, scarf or bring your own item).
Free -
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.
Free -
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 -
Magical Forest Houses
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Search for tiny, enchanted, homes built by mythical elves. These homes, built with natural materials, are hidden along our Farm Pond Trail. Scan the QR […]
Free -
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 -
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Landscape Needle Felting
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Explore the beauty of our natural landscape using natural fibers. Supplies provided. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
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 -
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 […]
Free -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
Free -
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.
Free -
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 Fall Open Climb
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.
Free -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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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 -
Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Ecological Restoration Weekend
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Help restore Sagawau’s diverse ecosystems by removing invasive plant species.
Free • Registration Required -
Yoga
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Bring a yoga mat/towel. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
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 -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
Free -
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 -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Beautiful Sounds at Sunset
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Spend time outdoors with the sounds of nature and soothing instruments around a fire with certified instructor Gail. Bring a cushion. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
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Roving Seed-Collecting Team
Tuma Lake • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join 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 -
Canceled Fall Open Climb
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.
Free -
Fall in Focus
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Bring a camera or phone and join a guided photography hike. Ages 10 & up.
Free -
Nuts About Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the grounds to find native nuts and learn how animals use them for food and survival.sq
Free -
Arach-tober: The Return of the Eight-legged Creatures
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about spiders and why they aren’t so scary.
Free • Registration Required -
Listening to Nature
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439W. Long will lead us in an exploration of the soundscape via the trails of the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Red Gate Woods: The Dawning of the Atomic Age
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about the world’s first nuclear reactor from scientist, Dave Dolak. Presentation at Sagawau before strenuous hike at Red Gate Woods. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Breast Cancer Awareness
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Stop by our resource tables to learn more about breast cancer. Presented with Advocate Health Care.
Free -
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 -
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 -
Underground Railroad Tour
John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480Tour includes info about the historical significance of this corridor. Arrive at I&M Canal for a discussion of the site and then shuttle to Lyonsville […]
Free • Registration Required -
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Help us restore native habitats - Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Tea-time
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Sample a variety of herbal tea blends paired with local honeys. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Invertebrate Investigation
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Search for insects and arthropods who call tallgrass prairies home.
Free -
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 […]
Free -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Observe bird banding and talk with banders. Drop-in.
Free -
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making decorative sugar skulls. Vibrantly colored sugar skulls represent the circle of life and are ornamental gifts for friends and […]
Free -
Fall Fungi
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Short naturalist-led hike to look for local species of fungi. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Eco-Print Dyeing Workshop
Palos Park Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Create an eco-print with fall leaves and learn how to make your own mini plant press.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall into Sounds & Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join certified instructor Gail for a peaceful walk, where soothing sounds guide you along the trail. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Everyone in Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for an inclusive sensory-based experience where individuals of all abilities and homeschool learners can explore and connect with nature through hands-on activities. Participants […]
Free • Registration Required -
Camping 101
Camp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn basic skills like how to set up a tent, build a fire, dress for the weather and more!
Free -
Canceled Fall Open Climb
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Scale the indoor climbing wall! Participants must be over 40lbs. Adult supervision and waivers required. Accessible climbing equipment available.
Free -
Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k
Swallow Cliff Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Race through then pristine Sag Valley Trail System. Presented with Village of Palos Park.
Free • Registration Required -
America’s Landscapes: The Palos Preserves
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn the geological story of the hilly landscape and some of its special land formations. Oral and ASL presentation.
Free -
Meet the Birds
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Stop by to see our birds at mealtime.
Free
