Come volunteer to restore native habitat! Filled with prairie, oak woodlands and wetlands, the Poplar Creek region in Northwest Cook County needs you. You will be given the opportunity to pursue restoration activities such as brushcutting, lopping, brush pile burn building, weed pulling, and seed planting - all while meeting others in the community. No previous […]
Black Partridge Woods is one of the first dedicated nature preserves in Illinois. The 80 acre site features river bluffs, ravine forests, and spring-fed streams, and boasts one of the earliest and most diverse displays of spring wildflowers in the region. Restoration activities center on the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and barberry with […]
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 […]
In 1970 the very first Earth Day was celebrated, marking the birth of grassroots environmental movements throughout the world. Thanks to the vision and drive of Senator Gaylord Nelson, from our neighboring state of Wisconsin, the Earth Day movement is responsible for many of the organizations and laws which are still working to protect our […]
Join us for a delightful stroll through the beautiful wildflowers in Eggers Grove. Discover a variety of colorful blooms while enjoying the fresh spring air. This event is perfect for nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind in a natural setting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty […]
Come volunteer to restore native habitat! Filled with prairie, oak woodlands and wetlands, the Poplar Creek region in Northwest Cook County needs you. You will be given the opportunity to pursue restoration activities such as brushcutting, lopping, brush pile burn building, weed pulling, and seed planting - all while meeting others in the community. No previous […]
Join Hofman Dam River Rats for their 53rd Semi-Annual River Clean-Up! Bring your kids, parents, neighbors, or friends! We accept AND recycle aluminum cans to raise money for future clean-ups and events. Refreshments will be served. Bags and poker sticks will be provided by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Wear long pants, sleeves, and […]
This strenuous 3.5 mile out and back hike will take approximately 2.5 hours, and we will climb up and down hills, cross a few small creeks, bushwack through some deep woods, and walk on top of an ice-age Esker. It’s a spectacular journey! Difficulty level: Although the walk is not a long one, and we’ll take […]
Help us remove woody invasive species that deplete the health of the soil, don’t allow native plants to grow and thrive, and severely affect the health of the ecosystem they become a part of. You’ll be welcomed by amazing people, ready to take care of Kickapoo Woods along with you. Make sure to dress for […]
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 […]
Swallow Cliff is a landscape of hills, ravines, lakes, and marshes created by the retreat of the last glaciers to cover the area. Volunteers strive to restore the natural biodiversity that existed prior to settlement and the proliferation of non-native plants. Restoration activities include the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and buckthorn, and the […]
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. […]
