Parks for Pollinators
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Participate in a month-long photography challenge. While walking at Sagawau, take a picture of pollinators on flowers and upload the […]
Participate in a month-long photography challenge. While walking at Sagawau, take a picture of pollinators on flowers and upload the […]
Grab your camera and take a guided walk, stopping along the way to discuss the history of the site and […]
Learn about the important members of nature’s clean-up crew! Meet our turkey vulture and make a cute vulture craft.
Learn about the benefits of prescribed burns on a 1-mile walk.
Learn about members of the mustelid family that call Cook County home. Outdoor presentation. Ages 6 & up.
Learn how to compost, reduce waste and benefit the Earth. Hear a master naturalist from University of Illinois Extension explain […]
Hands-on class teaching the traditional uses of plants and trees as dyes. In partnership with Trickster Gallery as part of […]
Enjoy a late summer walk through Phantom Prairie to see what’s blooming.
Meet and mingle with members of the community who have a shared interest in health, wellness and the outdoors.
Designed for teens ages 13–19. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Call 312-415-2970 for more […]
Enjoy this “creative-reuse carnival” with themed games made from re-purposed materials! Win prizes, learn about nature, and more.
Learn about nocturnal animals and more on a guided hike. Ages 6 & up.
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Enjoy a hike through Sagawau’s dolomite prairie. Rough terrain. Ages 14 & up.
Immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and al the beauty it has to offer! Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will […]
Pay homage to the Calumet Region’s Native American cultural history while investigating the artifacts that help tell their stories. Activities […]
Peace healing circle.
Travel and trace the butterfly’s migration route through fun activities, kid’s crafts and more. Learn how you can help monarchs […]
Walk our gardens to learn about native plants then sample different infused teas made from them.
Celebrate creativity and color as all ages are invited to try different media and techniques to create art. Sculpt, paint […]
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family friendly bike ride. Loaner […]
Children ages 3 – 6, w/adult, are invited to hear a nature story, followed by a short, mindful guided walk […]
Meet and mingle with members of the community who have a shared interest in health, wellness and the outdoors.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 & up; equipment provided.
Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Ages 10 & up. Junior archery for kids under […]
Walk in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place during the darkest night of the month.
As part of Cook County Racial Equity Week, President Preckwinkle will join the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and […]
In 2021, DarkSky International designated the Palos Preserves in southwest Cook County as an Urban Night Sky Place—a location near […]
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.