Photography Walk
Maple Lake-East – Mountain Bike Staging Area • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, one of the highest quality natural areas in the state.
Grab your camera and explore Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, one of the highest quality natural areas in the state.
Explore, discover, and create! Spend your spring break outside with several outdoor recreation activities.
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
The microscopic adventure through Crabtree's waters continues.
Enjoy the outdoors. Put your muscles to work as you help restore habitat by removing invasive plants. Tools provided. Ages […]
Bring your favorite optics as we walk to view our wetland arrivals.
Pick up a treasure map then decode the clues onsite.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries. Ages 4 & up w/adult.
Walk & Talk hikes are for curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. […]
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.