Events
Mother’s Day Mindful Art Program
Join us at Sand Ridge Nature Center for our Mother's Day Mindful Art Program. Celebrate mothers and Mother Earth with a peaceful afternoon in a beautiful natural setting. Make a flower or journal for mom, engage in mindful movement and enjoy light snacks and relaxing music.
Mother’s Day Woodland Wildflower Walk
Join us for a walk in the woodland.
Wildflower Walk
Enjoy a hike to look for wildflowers while learning how to identify these ephemeral beauties.
Wildflower Walk
Learn about spring woodland wildflowers on a casual walk.
What’s On The Menu?
Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Tuesdays are for the Birds
Join us as we seek out spring migrants. Binoculars available for loan.
Small Serendipity
Nature stories, crafts and activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about animals from the residents of Misericordia - Heart of Mercy.
Wildcrafting Throughout History
Join us on a guided walk to learn about ways people have sustainably and ethically lived off the land throughout history.
World Mental Health Day Celebration
Join Advocate Aurora Health - Behavioral Health Department to learn about the services that they provide the South Suburban PSA at South Suburban Hospital. Information from ECT/Esketamine clinics, trauma recovery centers, chemical dependency clinics, intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs will be available. Additionally, try painting en plein air, listen to music performed by […]
Spring Birding
Join us for a guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars available for loan.
Senior Fitness Walk
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to 6 with adult; siblings welcome. Tickets on a first come, first served basis starting at 9:30 am.
Nature’s Art Box
Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Nature Play Day
Help connect your little one with nature during open nature play time. Grove 7.
Bemis Woods Bird Outing
Join Chicago Bird Alliance for a bird walk at the height of spring migration with an expert birder and conservationist! On this outing, we will take a leisurely journey through a great birding hotspot. We’ll search for year-round residents and beautiful spring migrants. Trails can be muddy; boots are recommended. This project is made possible […]
Canceled Walk & Talk
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. 2 miles.
Walk & Talk: Social Club
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. Grove 2.
Thursdays In the Field – Drop In
Join IL Ext. Master Naturalists for fun nature and inquiry-based activities.
A Symphony of Nature: A Forest Therapy Walk
Join us as we gather with the healing sounds of singing bowls in the forest and explore the sounds of nature all around us. We will end with a tea ceremony and a final singing bowl session.
Nature Noises
Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature as we sit around a campfire, tell stories, enjoy s’mores, and take a walk to see what the trails have to offer your eyes and ears.
Night Hike
An evening walk to learn about nocturnal animals at River Trail.
Community Science: Frog Monitoring
Learn about frog calls, then listen to them on a walk. Ages 10 & up.
Morning Bird Walk
Early Morning Bird Walk
Join us in search of migrating birds. Bring binoculars; limited pairs to lend.
Spring Birding
Join us for a guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars available for loan.
Kite Fest
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all thing’s kites. Timed flying demonstration, crafts, and more.
Volunteer Workdays
Help us work to make River Trail even better. Ages 10 & up; under 15 w/adult.
Nature Wellness Walk
Reconnect with nature during relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices.
Wellness Walk
Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.