Volunteer Workday
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up. Ages under 16 w/adult.
Find more opportunities on our Volunteer Page.
Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up. Ages under 16 w/adult.
Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a brush pile burn. Followed by s'mores and light […]
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools provided. Ages 18 & up.
Come check out a pair of our snowshoes (weather dependent), help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire, play […]
Join us to help restore the natural community structure of our woodlands, savannas and prairies, control invasive species and enhance […]
Join a naturalist as we help restore our ecosystems by removing invasive species. Tools and safety gear provided. Ages 12 […]
Join a naturalist as we help restore our ecosystems by removing invasive species. Tools and safety gear provided. Ages 12 […]
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.
Today marks the start of Picnic & Outdoor Event Permit sales for 2025. Cook County residents and visitors can now reserve a spot for celebrations—such as birthdays, reunions, holidays and special events—while surrounded by nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.