Friends of the Forest Preserves hosts numerous events throughout the year designed to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural wonders of the forest preserves in Cook County.
Guided hikes, educational workshops, wellness programs, volunteer workdays, golf outings, fundraisers, cultural programs, and more await you.
Browse our schedule of events below to learn more.
Text CALUMET or NORTHWEST 545-454 for events and volunteer opportunities!
Join us for our summer Insect Safari with naturalist guide Michael Rush. Using nets and collection jars . Participants will be able to catch, identify, and study a variety of insects before safely releasing them back onto the forest preserve. Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!
Formed by an old loop in the river’s course, lies the Oxbow Prairie. This old oxbow in the Chicago River’s North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies on what was once the east bank of the river. The mesic prairie had […]
Join us for a morning full of activities, with a 1-mile walk, followed by a yoga session at the preserve.
Join us for a guided nature walk + hands-on herbal tasting to explore local plants, everyday herbs, and their cultural uses.
Join us for a morning full of activities, with a 1-mile walk, followed by a yoga session at the preserve.
Location- Spring Creek Longmeadow Meeting Location- 152 W Dundee Rd, Barrington Summary of Event/Workday- Set against the stunning backdrop of Longmeadow, this beginner-friendly outing invites you to connect with nature, community, and conservation. You’ll get hands-on with native plant restoration by learning to identify prairie species and collect their seeds. Vital work that helps restore […]
Come hang out at Eggers Grove for a fun homeschool meet-up! Every third Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm All ages and families are invited to this free event at Eggers Grove. Whether you homeschool, unschool, or just want to hangout with other families, come for a monthly nature walk and other nature based activities.
Kickapoo Woods is a site with beautiful wet prairies in Riverdale, IL. During volunteer days, you can get up close and personal with nature performing a variety of restoration activities. Meet at the volunteer kiosk for a light […]
The Miami Woods Forest Preserve covers 112 acres stretching along the west side of the North Branch of the Chicago River from Oakton Street northward to Dempster Street. It is […]
Meet other people who enjoy nature and walking in the woods. We’ll go along the North Branch of the Chicago River to take in the views of the water and […]
Build community and connection through sitting and observing the birds of the Chicago River and Beaubien Woods. Join us for a Bird Sit at Beaubien Woods, hosted by Friends of […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Location- Spring Creek Galloping Hill Meeting Location- Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills Summary of Event/Workday- Set against the stunning backdrop of Galloping Hill, this beginner-friendly outing invites you to connect […]
Join us for a restorative Trailblazer Walk exploring the forest preserves, native plants, and the healing power of herbal teas. Learn how local trees and herbs support wellness.
Seeds are the lifeblood of healthy woodlands and prairies. By growing successive generations of species, they help ensure resilient, self-renewing natural areas for years to come. Restoration volunteers hand collect […]
Kickapoo Woods is a site with beautiful wet prairies in Riverdale, IL. During volunteer days, you can get up close and personal with nature performing a variety of restoration activities. Meet at the volunteer kiosk for a light […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Families and kids of all ages are invited to join us for House Music Hangout at Beaubien Woods! Whether you’re bringing the family, friends, or even yourself, there is something […]
Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site depends on a community of volunteers to remove invasive species, spread native […]