Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
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 an abundance of Eurasian grasses, Queen Anne’s lace and tall goldenrod. With management, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning.

The wetter areas are richest in native plants, including cup plant, ironweed, tall meadow-rue, water parsnip, cordgrass, Virginia rye, and numerous kinds of sedges.

A small oak savanna on the old east bank has swamp white and bur oaks, in the words of landscape architect and restorationist Tom Vanderpoel, “a wonderful micro oak savanna.”

Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Directions: From the south, enter the drive off of Caldwell Avenue across from Tonty; proceed ~1/4 mile, staying to the right at the split. From the north, enter the drive off of Harts Road and proceed ~3/4 mile south. Look for the Volunteer signs at the meeting spot.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.

St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Illinois
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 North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting our native ecosystems.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Enter the driveway north off 6500 Oakton Ave, across from Natchez Ave in Morton Grove. Look for the Volunteer sign in the parking area.

For questions, please contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com.

Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday - Chicago River Day
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Illinois
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 bounded on the west side by Caldwell Avenue, Waukegan Road and development at the intersection of Waukegan Road and Dempster Street. The land on the east side of the river forms the Saint Paul Woods Forest Preserve.

Miami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. Miami Woods and Prairie (except the turf grass picnic areas) is to achieve restoration to the highest ecological condition possible using a minimum amount of management intervention. Our approach is to restore natural processes so that the area will become as self-sustaining as possible.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Located on the east side of Caldwell, two blocks north of Oakton. Meet in the parking lot for Miami Woods, look for the Volunteer sign.

To volunteer or for more information contact Nick Conde at Miami Woods.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Healy Savanna
2026-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Beverly Lake Trail, Beverly Lake Trail, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60179, United States
Join Us for a Garlic Mustard Pull & Spring Ephemeral hunt! Help protect our woodlands by removing invasive garlic mustard, giving native plants the space they need to thrive. As we work, we’ll also keep an eye out for neat spring ephemeral plants.. We’ll collect these seeds to support future restoration efforts. No experience necessary, all tools and guidance will be provided. Come enjoy the spring beauty of the preserve while making a meaningful impact!

Contact Information- Please reach out to Ken DeMuth 312-316-5216

St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday
2026-05-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois

Trailblazers: Blue Star Memorial Woods walk
2026-05-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Blue Star Memorial Woods, Blue Star Memorial Woods, Glenview, Illinois, 60025, United States
Join us for a walk through this preserve full of tall oaks and spring wildflowers. The sounds of various birds are typical as is siting of other wildlife. Meet other people interested in nature and enjoy some fresh spring air outdoors.

Difficulty level: The walk will be primarily on paved paths and move at a moderate pace. The path has a few areas with slight inclines.

Parking/Meeting location: Enter the preserve from E Lake Ave. and park near the entrance. If you reach grove #1 you’ve driven too far into the parking lot. We’ll meet in a clearing near the paved path that is close to the parking area.

Meet your Volunteer Guide: Diane has a lifelong interest in nature. She completed the University of Illinois Master Naturalist program in 2023 and is a certified seed collector for Cook County Forest Preserves. An avid hiker, she has formed and led walking groups for 15+ years.

What to Wear and Bring: Water for hydration, good sun protection, a hat and sturdy walking shoes/boots. Insect protection is also highly recommended.

Photo Credit:– White trout lily – Diane Yurksaitis

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or theTrailblazersWalking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, atsydney@fotfp.org.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Healy Savanna
2026-05-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Beverly Lake Trail, Beverly Lake Trail, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60179, United States
Meeting Location- Beverly Lake Trail, Hoffman Estates

Summary of Event/Workday- Join Us for a Garlic Mustard Pull & Spring Ephemeral hunt! Help protect our woodlands by removing invasive garlic mustard, giving native plants the space they need to thrive. As we work, we’ll also keep an eye out for neat spring ephemeral plants.. We’ll collect these seeds to support future restoration efforts. No experience necessary, all tools and guidance will be provided. Come enjoy the spring beauty of the preserve while making a meaningful impact!

Contact Information- Please reach out to Isabella Stocke isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Homeschool Hangout: Buggin' Out
2026-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Homeschool Hangout at Eggers Grove, 11251-11249 South Avenue B, Chicago, Illinois, 60617, United States
Come hang out at Eggers Grove for a fun homeschool hangout all about bugs! Families will be led on a nature walk through Eggers with sweep nets in search of insects, and afterward will have the opportunity to learn about basic insect anatomy through a polymer clay activity in which they will make their own insects! All materials will be provided, but families are encouraged to bring their own sweep nets and magnifying glasses if they have them available. This event is free and open to all families! Bring comfortable shoes and water.

Xylem Seed Garden Workdays
2026-05-21 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-18 12:00 - 14:00 | North Branch Xylem Seed Garden, 6633 W Harts Road, Niles, IL, 60714, United States
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.

But some important native species are relatively rare at our sites. Others have seed that are difficult to collect in the wild. We grow some of these special plants in the North Branch seed garden, where we can better harvest their seed for restoration in North Branch sites. If you love getting your hands dirty and enjoy getting to know some of our native plants, please join the workdays at our North Branch seed garden in Niles.

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

6633 W Harts Road, Niles IL, 60714

View map

Turn into the main driveway for the FPCC Maintenance facility then turn right into a small gravel parking area. Enter the enclosed garden area through a swinging gate.

Contact person:Cammy Fortuna tonyandcammy11@gmail.com

Secondary contact:Mike Andrews mike61950@aol.com

Website:https://northbranchrestoration.org/

Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday
2026-05-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois

Mental Health Awareness Month: Spring Fling at Kickapoo Woods
2026-05-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Kickapoo Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale, Illinois, United States
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves and Light of Loving Kindness for an invigorating day at Kickapoo Woods to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone wanting to enjoy the springtime in perfect fashion! Activities will include a calming yoga session out in nature, light stewardship activities, an informative talk about mindful eating with Queen Prophecy, and a social hour to practice nature journaling.

This event is free and welcome to all! Note: These activities may not all be happening at once; arrival after 11AM will not ensure participation in all activities. If you have any questions, please reach out to Morgan at morgan@fotfp.org.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Healy Savanna
2026-05-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Healy Savanna, Beverly Lake, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States

Hofmann Dam River Rats Spring Cleanup
2026-05-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Hofmann Dam, R5CH+CJJ Lyons, Illinois
Volunteers and friends of the Des Plaines River are invited to help clean up the Des Plaines riverbank.

Meet in the forest preserve area east of the Barrypoint Bridge and the Hofmann Tower. Bring your kids, parents, neighbors, or friends! We accept AND recycle aluminum cans to raise money for future cleanups and events. Wear long pants, sleeves, and sturdy shoes. The Hofmann Dam River Rats is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. We sign off on community service hours.

Contact Bob Bezouska at 872-239-0323 for more information.

Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois

Sunflowers, Birds, Bees, and Beavers
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Kickapoo Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale, Illinois, United States
Join us for an interactive terrarium all about the connection between species! Learn about how different keystone species like beavers, bees, sunflowers, and ospreys interact with each other and help build the ecosystems around us.

Trailblazers: Wednesday Wagon Walks at Forty Acre Woods
2026-06-03 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-01 08:00 - 09:00 | Forty Acres Woods, 11901 S LaGrange Rd, Palos Park, Illinois, 60464, United States
Enjoy a relaxed midweek nature walk through the scenic trails of 40 Acre Woods. Bring your kids and wagons!

This guided wagon walk is designed for adults and children who are looking to stay active, connect with others, and experience the beauty of the preserve at a comfortable pace. Participants can expect peaceful paths and engaging conversation along the way. The walk will include occasional stops to rest and observe nature. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and suitable for all fitness levels.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. About a mile at a leisurely pace on a paved trail.

Parking/Meeting location: Meet at the main parking lot and trail entrance at Forty Acre Woods.

Meet your volunteer guide: Katie graduated from Lewis University with an environmental science degree and a love for being outdoors. She has worked on a variety of projects that examined the roles of native and invasive species. She also has over 10 years of experience working in and enjoying the Cook County forest preserves.

What to bring/wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes suitable for natural trails. Dress in weather-appropriate layers and consider bringing water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket if needed.

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Friends Photo Exhibit: A Celebration of the Forest Preserves in Cook County
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N Clark St FL 2, Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
Join us to view the winning photos from our 2025 Photo Contest up close and personal! Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with light refreshments, beverages, and conversations with some of the winning photographers.

This event is free. Please register to help us plan.

Donations are happily accepted to help support our advocacy work, conservation corps programs, and community engagement initiatives.

To learn how you can enter the 2026 Photo Contest, please visit our website.

For questions, contact Sydney Armstead at sydney@fotfp.org. Bramble Arts Loft is ADA accessible. If you’d like to attend and require special accomodations, please contact Sydney.

Photo credit: 2025 First Place Winner “Female Hooded Merganser, Burnham Prairie Marsh” by Scott Wedell

Friends Golf Outing
2026-06-05 12:30 - 20:00 | George W. Dunne National Golf Course, 16310 Central Ave, Oak Forest, Illinois, 60452, United States
Get ready for the annual Golf Outing at the forest preserves’ premier course! Join as a player and/or sponsor or donate in lieu of attendance. The event is an incredible time supporting a great cause!

Ticket includes:

Dinner with awards

Greens fees and cart

Range balls

Snacks

On-the-course drinks

Open-bar reception

Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workdays
2026-06-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Enter the preserve from Harts Road, just west of Touhy and Caldwell and look for the volunteer sign. The approximate address is 6600 W Harts Road in Niles, IL.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

St. Paul Woods Volunteer Workday
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting our native ecosystems.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Enter the driveway north off 6500 Oakton Ave, across from Natchez Ave in Morton Grove. Look for the Volunteer sign in the parking area.

For questions, please contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

Trailblazers: Des Plaines River Relics Walk
2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Sunset Bridge Meadow, Des Plaines River Trail, River Grove, Illinois, 60171, United States
Join us as we admire the spring colors and beauty of the Des Plaines River.

The final three miles of the Des Plaines River Trail have more lost, abandoned, and mysterious artifacts than any other stretch of the trail; we’ll discuss what these are and how they fit into the modern history of this most urban of urban rivers. Along the way, we’ll also talk about water quality, habitat conditions in the Des Plaines watershed, and flooding.

Difficulty level

Moderate to fast pace. Easy 5-mile hike, mostly flat trail; est. 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking/Meeting location:

Sunset Bridge Meadow parking lot; North Ave. east of N 1st Ave River Grove, IL

Meet your volunteer guide:

Hobby hiker and nature lover, Dan Witte built a fan site dedicated to the Des Plaines River: www.thedesplaines.com

What to bring/wear:

Water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended), and sturdy hiking boots/comfortable shoes.

Photo Credit: Dan Witte

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 an abundance of Eurasian grasses, Queen Anne’s lace and tall goldenrod. With management, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning.

The wetter areas are richest in native plants, including cup plant, ironweed, tall meadow-rue, water parsnip, cordgrass, Virginia rye, and numerous kinds of sedges.

A small oak savanna on the old east bank has swamp white and bur oaks, in the words of landscape architect and restorationist Tom Vanderpoel, “a wonderful micro oak savanna.”

Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Directions: From the south, enter the drive off of Caldwell Avenue across from Tonty; proceed ~1/4 mile, staying to the right at the split. From the north, enter the drive off of Harts Road and proceed ~3/4 mile south. Look for the Volunteer signs at the meeting spot.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

Summer Solstice at Beaubien Woods
2026-06-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Beaubien Woods, Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve Pavillion, Chicago, Illinois, 60633, United States
Summer Solstice gathering in nature with Light of Loving Kindness (LOLK) & Friends of the Forest Preserves (FOTFP). Join us for reflection, restoration, food, and community care.

This public and free gathering is an invitation to slow down and connect with ourselves, one another, and the land in a way that feels grounded and accessible.

In celebration of the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year—we will gather at Beaubien Woods to spend time outdoors in community. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to pause, reflect, and be present with the natural world during a season of fullness and light.

We will begin with a gentle nature walk, moving at a comfortable pace while taking in the surrounding landscape. As we spend time together, we will reflect on how caring for the land and caring for ourselves are deeply connected.

From there, we’ll engage in light restoration work and a simple hands-on planter activity, offering a chance to connect with the land in a meaningful way.

Throughout the gathering, there will be space to share food, reflect, and connect with others. We will also explore connections between food, mental health, and overall wellbeing through conversation and shared experience.

Come as you are and receive.

This is a supportive, welcoming space designed with care and intention.

We will provide:

Food and snacksA guided, community-centered experienceA welcoming outdoor environmentThis event is free and open to the public. It is led by Light of Loving Kindness in partnership with Friends of the Forest Preserves as part of an ongoing series focused on restoration—of self, community, and land across the Calumet region.

Homeschool Hangout: All About The Trees
2026-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Eggers Grove Comfort Station, MFQC+6Q Chicago, Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60617, United States
Please join us at our Homeschool hangout, where we will learn more about trees and why tree rings are important. A nature walk and a story will be told.

For any questions, contact Joy Bailey at: Joy@fotfp.org

Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday
2026-06-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
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 bounded on the west side by Caldwell Avenue, Waukegan Road and development at the intersection of Waukegan Road and Dempster Street. The land on the east side of the river forms the Saint Paul Woods Forest Preserve.

Miami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. Miami Woods and Prairie (except the turf grass picnic areas) is to achieve restoration to the highest ecological condition possible using a minimum amount of management intervention. Our approach is to restore natural processes so that the area will become as self-sustaining as possible.

Visit The North Branch Restoration Project on Facebook!

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

Directions: Located on the east side of Caldwell, two blocks north of Oakton. Meet in the parking lot for Miami Woods, look for the Volunteer sign.

To volunteer or for more information contact Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

Trailblazers: Ted Lechowicz Woods - Flower & Photography Walk
2026-06-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods, 5901 North Central Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60646, United States
Come and join others as we stroll through a prairie to see some lovely wildflowers in bloom and take a brief walk along the river as well! Meet people who enjoy nature and photography! Taking photos is not required. For birders, it’s a good spot to see a few species.

About this event: The group will walk through this prairie area, full of blooming spring wildflowers. It’s a great opportunity to get some close-up pictures of flowers and, very often, the insects pollinating.

Difficulty level: The walk will be primarily on unpaved paths and will move at a moderate pace. The paths have a few areas with slight inclines, and stepping over fallen tree branches may be necessary.

Parking/Meeting location: Enter the preserve from N Central Ave. and park near the entrance. We’ll gather at the grassy area where the roadway circles past the picnic grove.

Meet your Volunteer Guide: Diane has a lifelong interest in nature. She completed the University of Illinois Master Naturalist program in 2023 and is a certified seed collector for Cook County Forest Preserves. An avid hiker, she has formed and led walking groups for 15+ years.

What to Wear and Bring: Water for hydration, good sun protection, a hat, and good walking shoes/boots. Insect protection is also highly recommended.

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.

Photo credit: Diane Yurksaitis
