Hidden Pond Woods offers a variety of delights, all within a short walk of the parking lot. The southern portion is oak woodland with small wetlands. The northern half is largely prairie, growing in increments year by year as more ground is reclaimed by volunteer efforts. Restoration includes the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle […]
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 […]
Beaubien Woods Forest Preserves is a 250-acre site located in the southeast part of Cook County. It is home to several 100+ year-old oak trees, high-quality prairie, oak savanna, and wetland habitat, and hundreds of species of native plants and migratory birds. Stewardship volunteers help to restore these habitats by performing seasonal restoration tasks. The […]
Join us for a fun and educational day out in nature starting at 10:00 AM. This event is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to socialize, learn, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Eggers Grove. Located in a peaceful natural setting, Eggers Grove offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and learning experiences. Come and connect […]
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. […]
Must self-identify as Latine/o or BIPOC descent and understand and/or speak Spanish/Spanglish language. This stewardship day is intended to provide a space for Latine/o, (also BIPOC) to build community while speaking in Spanish. About ¡Ayúdanos a cuidar a nuestras reservas! Te necesitamos para proteger nuestros robles y ríos. Ven y disfruta de la naturaleza y […]
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 […]
Join Hofman Dam River Rats for their 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 sturdy […]
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 […]
