Southwest Cook County
Events
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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 -
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.
Free -
Flickering Fireflies
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480As part of America 250: See fireflies, nature's fireworks, glow in the dark before a 1-mile adventure to catch and release these incredible creatures.
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 […]
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 -
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 -
Field Biology
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Spend time outdoors in the Forest Preserves and earn professional development hours during this series of educational events, held from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. […]
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Canceled 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 -
Canceled Crafternoon: Mosaics and Collages
Rubio Woods • Cook County, IL 60445 (near Midlothian)Discover the artistry of mosaics and collages by using nature to create a personal project.
Free -
Canceled Forest Therapy Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Enjoy a mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Led by Kristen Romanowski, University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 18+. Registration required; Suggested attire - long […]
Free -
Canceled Nature Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join a naturalist for a short hike as we take in the sounds and sights at Sagawau. Age 18 & up.
Free -
Nature Discovery Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us from 9 am to noon each day for an adventure-packed day camp where kids explore the outdoors through hiking, fishing, field experiments and […]
$50 • Registration Required -
Majestic Moths
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Let’s celebrate these under-appreciated insects. Moths are one of the most diverse groups of insects on the planet. From stunning luna moths to rosy maple […]
Free • Registration Required -
Fitness Hike
Yankee Woods • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)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 […]
Free -
Naturalist Night Out: Fireflies
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 -
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 -
Community Fishing Clinic
Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will […]
Free -
Searching for the Endangered Hines Emerald Dragonfly
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Bring your binoculars for a close‑up look at dragonflies near the water. Ages 10 & up.
Free -
Wild About Play
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Unleash your wild side! Create enrichment items for our ambassador animals. Groups welcome. Drop in.
Free -
Bird Banding
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Visit Sagawau’s bird banders to see and learn about banding. 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 -
Walk & Talk
John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Sunset Serenity Hike
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required
