*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* In the summer we might see, hear, and feel them everywhere - the buzz of a bee, the bright and contrasting colors of a butterfly, or the surprising bite of a mosquito. But once winter hits, where do all the insects go? Interestingly, the diverse habitats in our forest […]
Spring Ephemerals are wildflowers that appear for only a few weeks each year, so you need to be alert if you're going to sneak a peek. You can find them throughout the forest preserves in Cook County at various times from early April through early June. Look for spring beauty, blood root, Virginia bluebells, and […]
Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer group that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. […]
Celebrate Earth Week 2021 by giving back to one of Cook County's most unique natural areas, Spring Creek Forest Preserve. We will be joining volunteers from the Barrington Greenway Initiative to plant native sedges (grass-like wetland plants) to support habitat restoration in Spring Creek Forest Preserve. All ages are welcome. All required tools and materials […]
From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo's native prairie plants need your help! Come be part of a group of volunteers restoring this special site along the Little Calumet River. Depending on weather conditions, we will be cutting and burning, doing weed removal, or seed collecting. We will be meeting by the boat launch. A few things […]
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 […]
Celebrate Earth Week 2021 by giving back to one of Cook County's most unique natural areas, Spring Creek Forest Preserve. We will be joining volunteers from the Barrington Greenway Initiative to plant native sedges (grass-like wetland plants) to support habitat restoration in Spring Creek Forest Preserve. All ages are welcome. All required tools and materials […]
Have you ever tried "Forest Bathing"? Want to experience nature in a deeper way? Join us for an upcoming walk at Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve! We will be using an audio-guide created by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. This audio-guided hike, titled "Belonging", is an opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the sensory […]
Come give back to nature after enjoying a morning Forest Bathing experience. We will be pulling garlic mustard and bagging it to discard. We will enjoy snacks while we explore the site and it’s beautiful wonders, right by the lake. A few things to keep in mind: Make sure to bring your own water and […]
Join the Friends of Dan Ryan Woods for our monthly volunteer day on the second Saturday of each month. Depending on the time of year, we cut and burn brush, collect and spread seeds, conduct trail work, and more. For more information or to RSVP please contact Benjamin Cox at benjamin@fotfp.org or 773-398-1178. We meet in […]
Come volunteer to restore native habitat in the Poplar Creek region, which is filled with prairie, oak woodlands, and wetlands! Help with restoration activities such as weed pulling, seed planting, plug planting, and more - all while meeting others in the community. No previous experience is necessary. We are following social distancing guidelines and ask […]
The Spring Creek Forest Preserve is one of only a few Cook County preserves large enough to sustain populations of rare animals, grassland birds, and a rich variety of habitats. The site was deemed by Audubon-Chicago to be a globally-significant Important Bird Area. Spring Creek is a tranquil respite from the hustle of everyday, modern […]
