Winter Whereabouts
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Learn how different native animals survive during the colder winter months.
Learn how different native animals survive during the colder winter months.
Enjoy a morning in the Preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone.
Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and […]
Couples and friends are invited to enjoy the nature center grounds at their leisure. Walk our candlelit trails, relax around […]
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with art and activities.
Prepare a house for the upcoming nesting season. Limited space. One birdhouse per family. $5 suggested donation. Ages 10 & […]
Get ready to jam! Make a simple musical instrument from repurposed invasive plants with us or bring your own instrument.
Learn the story behind this peculiar holiday.
In honor of Black History Month, walk a short, looped trail and read poetry for children written by African American […]
Join us for our themed sessions as we explore knitting. Ages 13 & up.
Join other adults for a lively discussion of this fascinating bestselling book. This evening program will be held at our […]
Pick up an informational guide and enjoy a self-led half mile hike to discover how native reptiles are surviving winter.
Shift your focus from daily hassles during an outdoor wellness and journaling session.
In partnership with the Portage Creek Boy Scouts, join us for an afternoon of winter activities including hikes, broom hockey, […]
Enjoy the Preserves of snowshoes. Snowshoes provided; 4” of snow required. If no snow is present, we will enjoy a […]
Bring the family and meet one of our ambassador owls. Learn about the fascinating owls that call Trailside home.
Enjoy a brief introduction to owls and their amazing adaptations and skills followed by a short walk on our trails […]
Enjoy a self-guided walk on a candlelit trail and warm up by the fire with your special someone. For Ages […]
See what makes Crabtree special on a 3-mile hike before the big game.
Help us celebrate owls and learn what makes them so unique!
Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]
Learn birding basics in the warmth of our newly remodeled nature center.
Plant lovers unite! Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing. All are welcome. Bring a mug; warm beverage […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Discover how to make your yard and home bird-friendly. Learn about bird feeders, types of foods, garden opportunities and more.
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Build your own walking stick using buckthorn, an invasive species. Please bring your own work gloves. Ages 12 & up. […]
An outdoor workshop focusing on amazing winter scenes. Ages 13 & up.
Join us for a casual bird walk to observe our resident birds and their behavior. Binoculars available to borrow.
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.