Wellness Wednesdays at Whistler Woods
2025-08-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-03 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Whistler Woods, M946+6JQ, Riverdale, Illinois, 60827, United States
Every Wednesday until September 24th, 2025! Entrance at 134th St., East of Halsted Ave. Riverdale, IL 60827.

Stretch and Walks9:00 am – 10:00 am2 mile walk. Walking pace with room for conversation & mindfulness. No registration required.

Yoga10:00 am – 11:00 amAll levels welcome. Registration not required, but please email us if you will be bringing more than 5 people! Yoga lead by Community Health, Illinois Extension.

Contact Gloria Orozco at gloria@fotfp.org with any questions.

Xylem Seed Garden Workdays
2025-08-22 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/

Taiji (Tai Chi) at Linne Woods
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Illinois
Join us for a peaceful, one-hour taiji (tai chi) session led by Mia Park, a Korean American artist, teacher, and co-owner of Taiji in Chicago https://www.taijiinchicago.com . Set in the calming landscape of the forest preserves, this beginner-friendly class will guide you through gentle, flowing movements to support balance, mindfulness, and inner strength.

Mia brings a unique blend of wellness expertise and community leadership. In addition to teaching taiji (tai chi), yoga, and meditation, she’s an actor, producer, and hospice nurse deeply engaged in advocacy and the arts. Her vibrant, inclusive teaching style helps people of all backgrounds reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Taiji (tai chi) is proven to reduce stress, improve flexibility and heart health, and is accessible to all fitness levels.

No experience needed. All are welcome!

Contact Information: Please contact Calumet Field Organizer, Morgan Williams with any questions- morgan@fotfp.org

Meeting location: Linne Woods Picnic Grove #1

Rain date: 8/23/25 10:00am-11:00am

Bunker Hill North Flatwoods Volunteer Workdays
2025-08-23 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.

Wellness Tuesdays at Kickapoo Woods
2025-08-26 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Kickapoo Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale, Illinois, United States
Every Tuesday until September 23rd, 2025! Entrance at Halsted, south of 144th St. Riverdale, IL 60827.

Stretch and Walks9:00 am – 10:00 am2 mile walk. Walking pace with room for conversation & mindfulness. No registration required.

Yoga10:00 am – 11:00 amAll levels welcome. Registration not required, but please email us if you will be bringing more than 5 people! Yoga led by Studio Yogi.

Contact Gloria Orozco at gloria@fotfp.org with any questions.

Girls Gone Burbs x FOTFP Seeds & Sunset
2025-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Illinois
Join this private event with Girls Gone Burbs and Friends of the Forest Preserves for a special women-led evening of seed collecting and sunset views! 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 helps restore and protect the health of our local ecosystems. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide tools, guidance, and good company.

This is a relaxed and welcoming space for women and allies of all backgrounds. Come for the restoration, stay for the golden light and shared purpose.

What to Bring:

Water bottle

Long pants (recommended for protection from tall grasses and brush)

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (required)

Optional: hat, bug spray, and a sense of adventure

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Location: Galloping Hill

Meeting location: Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Flint Creek South
2025-08-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Flint Creek South, 5RGF+WWG, Lake Barrington, Illinois, United States
Come learn about collecting savanna/woodland grasses along with Starry Campion at Flint Creek Savanna this Thursday from 9-11am! We will be learning, collecting, and maybe even spreading some of this seed.

No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails.

Meeting Location: Flynn Creek Drive by the intersection of Cuba and Northwest Highway, Lake Barrington

Sketch and Stroll - Galloping Hill
2025-08-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Penny Road Pond, 3QXV+83H, Barrington Hills, IL, United States
Join the Barrington Greenway Initiative for our Monthly Sketch & Stroll Nature Journaling Hike! Step into a slower pace and reconnect with nature through art. Every last Thursday of the month, we gather to observe the natural world from fresh perspectives—no experience necessary! Led by a beginner artist, this guided walk is perfect for all skill levels. We’ll take a short stroll to explore and learn about the native flora currently in bloom, then find a peaceful spot to sit, reflect, and sketch what inspires us. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any favorite tools you enjoy using. This event is free and open to all—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to observe!

Contact Information- Reach out to organizer isabella@fotfp.org

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Flint Creek Savanna
2025-08-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Flint Creek – CFC Farmhouse, 459 W State Rte 22, North Barrington, Illinois, 60010, United States
Come learn about collecting Wild Quinine, Leadplant, Purple Praire Clover, and others at Flint Creek Savanna this Saturday from 9-11am! We will be learning, collecting, and maybe even spreading some of this seed.

No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails.

Meeting Location: Citizens for Conservation Farmhouse Parking Lot

Contact Information: mevans@citizensforconservation.org

Miami Woods Summer Insect Exploration
2025-08-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Illinois
Join us for our summer Insect Safari with naturalist guide Michael Rush. Using nets and collection jars . Participants will be able to catch, identify and study a variety of insects. We will then release them back onto the forest preserve.

Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!

Oxbow Prairie Volunteer Workday
2025-08-30 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.

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Galloping Hill
2025-08-31 08:00 - 10:00 | Penny Road Pond, 3QXV+83H, Barrington Hills, IL, United States
Join Spring Creek Stewards as we go on a scavenger hunt for seeds to collect! All are welcome to come, learn, and lead.

Meeting location: Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills

Contact: Ken DeMuth at 312-316-5216

Seeds and Sunset - Stewardship Volunteer Days
2025-09-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Spring Creek Longmeadow, 4Q6J+R29, Barrington Hills
Help us collect seed at Spring Creek Prairie to distribute back into the area. Enjoy nature, learn plant identification skills, and responsible seed collecting techniques. Tools and snacks provided.

Location: Spring Creek Longmeadow

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Sketch and Stroll + Seed Collection
2025-09-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Glenview Woods Parking Lot, 369H+36, Glenview, Illinois, United States
Join us for a free Sketch and Stroll nature journaling hike, perfect for all skill levels! This event invites you to explore and draw anything. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite art materials. End the day with a relaxing seed collection session, helping preserve our natural wonders.

Location: Glenview Woods, corner of Glenview Rd and Harms Rd

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Flint Creek Savanna
2025-09-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Flint Creek Savanna – CFC Farmhouse Parking Lot, 5RRH+X3V, Lake Barrington, IL, United States
Come learn about collecting plants at Flint Creek Savanna this Saturday from 9-11am! We will be learning, collecting, and maybe even spreading some of this seed.

No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails.

Meeting Location: Citizens for Conservation Farmhouse Parking Lot

Contact Information: luke.dahlberg@citizensforconservation.org

Xylem Seed Garden Workdays
2025-09-04 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).

Location: 6633 W Harts Road, Niles IL, 60714 (View map)

Directions: 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 Fortunatonyandcammy11@gmail.com

Secondary Contact:Mike Andrewsmike61950@aol.com

Website:https://northbranchrestoration.org/

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Grigsby Prairie
2025-09-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Grigsby Parking Location, 5R78+XF9, Barrington HIlls, IL, United States
Enjoy the beginnings of the fall prairie as we continue to go after Leadplant, White and Purple Prairie Clovers, Side-oats Grama, and other prairie species.

No registration required! Visit https://citizensforconservation.org/get-involved/regular-workdays/ if you are interested in signing up for the CFC newsletter for weekly event emails.

Meeting location: Park in the circle or alongside Oak Knoll Rd

Contact Information: luke.dahlberg@citizensforconservation.org

Beaubien Woods Bird Walk
2025-09-06 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Beaubien Woods Gathering Space, MC25+3F, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Join us for an end of summer bird walk as we explore the trails of Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve.

Come discover local bird species, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate the season’s end with community and nature. All experience levels are welcome! Bring your curiosity and walking shoes! Binoculars will be provided.

Location: Please meet us at the Beaubien Woods Gathering Space (seating area with historical figures), located by the boat launch across the train tracks near Carver Military Academy.

For any additional questions, contact Engagement Program Manager at sydney@fotfp.org

Taiji (Tai Chi) at Linne Woods
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Illinois
Join us for a peaceful, one-hour taiji (tai chi) session led by Mia Park, a Korean American artist, teacher, and co-owner of Taiji in Chicago https://www.taijiinchicago.com . Set in the calming landscape of the forest preserves, this beginner-friendly class will guide you through gentle, flowing movements to support balance, mindfulness, and inner strength.

Mia brings a unique blend of wellness expertise and community leadership. In addition to teaching taiji (tai chi), yoga, and meditation, she’s an actor, producer, and hospice nurse deeply engaged in advocacy and the arts. Her vibrant, inclusive teaching style helps people of all backgrounds reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Taiji (tai chi) is proven to reduce stress, improve flexibility and heart health, and is accessible to all fitness levels.

No experience needed. All are welcome!

Contact Information: Please contact Northwest Field Organizer, Isabella Stocke with any question – isabella@fotfp.org

Meeting location: Linne Woods Picnic Grove #1

Rain date: 9/13/25 10:00am-11:00am

Stewardship Volunteer Days - Galloping Hill
2025-09-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Penny Road Pond, 3QXV+83H, Barrington Hills, IL, United States
Spring Creek Stewards will traverse this amazing restoration for various prairie seeds!

Meeting location: Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills

Contact: Ken DeMuth at 312-316-5216

Miami Woods and Prairie Volunteer Workday
2025-09-07 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.

Contact: Mike Andrews at mike61950@aol.com

Seeds and Sunset - Stewardship Volunteer Days
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Penny Road Pond, 3QXV+83H, Barrington Hills, IL, United States
Help us collect seed at Spring Creek Prairie to distribute back into the area. Enjoy nature, learn plant identification skills, and responsible seed collecting techniques. Tools and snacks provided.

Location: Galloping Hill

Contact Information: Please reach out to isabella@fotfp.org with any questions!

Taiji (Tai Chi) at Kickapoo Woods
2025-09-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Illinois
Join us for a peaceful, one-hour taiji (tai chi) session led by Mia Park, a Korean American artist, teacher, and co-owner of Taiji in Chicago https://www.taijiinchicago.com . Set in the calming landscape of the forest preserves, this beginner-friendly class will guide you through gentle, flowing movements to support balance, mindfulness, and inner strength.

Mia brings a unique blend of wellness expertise and community leadership. In addition to teaching taiji (tai chi), yoga, and meditation, she’s an actor, producer, and hospice nurse deeply engaged in advocacy and the arts. Her vibrant, inclusive teaching style helps people of all backgrounds reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Taiji (tai chi) is proven to reduce stress, improve flexibility and heart health, and is accessible to all fitness levels.

No experience needed. All are welcome.

Please contact Calumet Field Organizer, Morgan Williams with any questions- morgan@fotfp.org

Kickapoo Woods: Open House
2025-09-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Kickapoo Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Riverdale, Illinois, United States
Get to know your Riverdale forest preserve! Featuring line dancing, native seed collecting, tai chi, food, music, nature walks, and more!

Ever wondered what there is to do at your local forest preserve? Join your community in learning about all that Kickapoo Woods has to offer! This family-friendly event features calming nature walks, instructor-led line dancing, free food and drinks, native seed collection (and the opportunity to learn plant identification), tai-chi with Mia Park, music, and much more! You’ll get hands-on interactions with those who work, play, and learn at the site to understand the projects and programs that make Kickapoo Woods so wonderful! Join Friends of the Forest Preserves to meet your community and find your space within!
