Photography Walk
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Join a naturalist for a walk around Spears Woods on a quest to capture some magical winter photos.
Join a naturalist for a walk around Spears Woods on a quest to capture some magical winter photos.
Check out a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire, and play in the […]
Learn what, why and how staff feed the animal ambassadors at the nature center.
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Supplies provided. Age 17 and up w/adult.
Enjoy an evening walk through the woods. Open to all levels of Girl Scout Troops.
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Create a small wall hanging art piece using natural materials. Supplies, instruction provided. Ages 10 & up, ages 10-17 w/adult. […]
Hike and learn while enjoying the fun of drawing and writing. Create a journal or bring your own.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
How do plants and animals respond to the longer days? Join us for a walk looking for signs of spring’s […]
Enjoy a short walk and investigate the unseen microhabitat that sustains a great diversity of organisms.
Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
During this class, you will learn practical tips and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know. We'll cover the 10 […]
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a guided walk and learn about women who helped shape the conservation field.
Celebrate Women's History Month by learning how artists made scientific discoveries accessible to society.
Programs will address content required to achieve varying levels of nature-related cub scout adventures. Mar 24: Wolf Level Apr 28: […]
Watch this celestial phenomenon unfold into the wee hours of the morning.
Join us as we peer through a spotting scope and watch for migratory waterfowl. Ages 14 & up.
For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]
Learn what, why and how staff feed the animal ambassadors at the nature center.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills.
Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, one of the highest quality natural areas in the state.
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Take a 1.5 looped walk around Tomahawk Slough, stopping to read and learn about the Arab American community and their […]
Join us for an evening on the prairie to enjoy male woodcock’s arial sky dance. Ages 10 & up.
Join us as we listen and watch the magical courtship display of the male woodcock.
Nearly all Forest Preserves events are free; some require registration and/or a low fee. Residents may qualify for free admission opportunities at our partners: Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Printed copies of our quarterly Events Guide are available at our Nature Centers and General Headquarters. They may also be available at your local city hall or library. Know a location that should have our Events Guide? Contact us.
Events Guide (PDF)Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreSign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpThe Forest Preserves is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Nature Center hosting your event or program 72 hours in advance to request reasonable accommodations or inquire about site accessibility.
Please contact Experience.Nature@cookcountyil.gov or 708-771-1573 about accommodations for specific camping and outdoor recreation activities.