For teachers across Cook County, the Forest Preserves offers a classroom unlike any other. Towering oaks, winding trails and the calls of songbirds become the backdrop for science, history and ecology lessons that spark curiosity and inspire learning. Whether a class visits for a field trip, welcomes a nature expert into their school or participates in a long-term program, the Forest Preserves opens doors to new ways of teaching that connect students with the living world around them.
Educators who bring their students to a nature center or local preserve often describe the experience as transformative. A walk through the woods becomes an exploration of ecosystems. Investigating why leaves change color or spotting migrating birds becomes a lesson in cycles, patterns and the interconnectedness of nature. For many students, it is the first time they encounter these concepts outside a textbook.
“Teachers tell us again and again that these programs give their students something they can’t get from a classroom alone,” says Forest Preserves Public Engagement Program Manager Nina Baki. “When learning takes place outdoors, lessons come alive, and students form connections that last long after the school day ends.”
Teachers can tailor their visits to the Forest Preserves to fit their classroom goals. Our staff can lead guided programs that may last an hour or more, offering focused experiences such as pond exploration, a nature center tour or habitat investigation. For schools seeking more in-depth science engagement, specialized biodiversity field studies are also available.
Educators can also bring nature directly into their classrooms in partnership with the Preserves. Our nature experts regularly visit schools, leading hands-on programs that introduce students to reptiles, mammals, insects, birds and the unique habitats of Cook County. These visits, tailored by grade level, not only support curriculum standards but also create excitement and wonder in familiar surroundings.
One of the most impactful opportunities for schools is the Mighty Acorns program, a five-year commitment designed for 3rd through 5th graders. Students participate in three field trips to nearby preserves each year, exploring the outdoors through stewardship projects and guided learning, and teachers weave pre- and post-program activities into classroom lessons.
“Mighty Acorns builds confidence, curiosity and care for nature in a way that no single lesson can,” says Baki. “By returning each season, students see change, growth and the results of their own stewardship. It creates a real sense of ownership and pride.”
Beyond direct programming, the Forest Preserves provides educators with a range of resources designed to strengthen classroom connections. Teacher-led activities and lesson plans—many aligned with Next Generation Science Standards—allow for continued exploration before and after a visit. Nature loan kits, available at local nature centers, give teachers hands-on materials on plants and animals.
Workshops and professional development opportunities let licensed teachers earn continuing education credits while learning how to connect field science with curriculum goals. Community leadership training offers additional opportunities for anyone working with youth and adult groups, helping build skills in leading hikes, camping trips or stewardship projects.
Even for educators who cannot bring their students outdoors, the Forest Preserves provides engaging digital content. The Wild & Wonderful video series introduces children to frogs, wildflowers, insects and other local wildlife, while programs like Conservation@Home encourage schools to create their own natural habitats right on their grounds.
With more than 70,000 acres of forests, wetlands and prairies, the Forest Preserves is more than a place for recreation—it is a living laboratory. “When students step into the Forest Preserves, they’re making connections as a direct experience, with all their senses,” Baki explains. “That’s what makes these programs so powerful for teachers and students alike.”
Learn more about how the Forest Preserves can be a resource for educators, including how to connect with our staff to get started.