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 the beauty of many tall trees. We’ll identify three species along the way. The walk starts by picking up the North Branch Trail and heading […]

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 the Forest Preserves Engagement Corps on August 26th, 2026! Difficulty Level: This is a sit suitable for all ages, accessibility, and fitness levels. Parking & […]

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 areas.

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 areas.

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 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 […]

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 seeds of many different species in Forest Preserve sites along the Chicago River North Branch, then distribute them to other less healthy North Branch sites. […]

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 day of native seed collection. 

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 areas.

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 for everyone. This is a perfect way to celebrate Summertime Chi and make memories in the forest preserve! This event is designed to get families […]

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 seed, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals. Visit The […]

CANCELLED due to weather **** 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. […]

This guided walk is designed to help you leave your daily cares behind, align your chakras, and tap into the deep spiritual meanings hidden in the woods. We will start with a grounding meditation to balance our internal energy, take an intentional walk on the trail, and finish with a beautiful unity ritual to connect […]

St. Paul Woods is an inviting oak-hickory woodland situated east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Like many of our native woodlands, it needs management to clear invasive brush and trees to restore the original structure. With increased sunlight, the wildflowers and grasses will once again add to the beauty of the woods. Join […]

We will start by exploring the plants and animals outside of the Thatcher Woods Trailside Museum. Then we’ll depart from the museum on a southbound path. On this walk, we will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature and stop for sensory breaks to note what we can see, hear, and smell in the forest […]

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 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 […]

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 seeds of many different species in Forest Preserve sites along the Chicago River North Branch, then distribute them to other less healthy North Branch sites. […]

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 […]

Eggers Woods is a beautiful site made of woodlands, marshes, and prairies. For a better view of the flora and fauna at this site, join us for a volunteer day performing ecological restoration. Meet at the parking lot east of the caretaker’s building. 

Dan Ryan Woods is an expansive area covering 257 acres of Cook County. The site is home to beautiful woodlands, and flora and fauna that thrive in it.  During our volunteer days, you can help preserve these species by removing invasive plants!