Roots & Remedies: Connecting with Local Herbs Through Nature
Join us for a guided nature walk + hands-on herbal tasting to explore local plants, everyday herbs, and their cultural uses.

Friends of the Forest Preserves hosts numerous events throughout the year designed to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural wonders of the forest preserves in Cook County.
Guided hikes, educational workshops, wellness programs, volunteer workdays, golf outings, fundraisers, cultural programs, and more await you.
Browse our schedule of events below to learn more.
Text CALUMET or NORTHWEST 545-454 for events and volunteer opportunities!
Join us for a guided nature walk + hands-on herbal tasting to explore local plants, everyday herbs, and their cultural uses.
Join us for a morning full of activities, with a 1-mile walk, followed by a yoga session at the preserve.
Location- Spring Creek Longmeadow Meeting Location- 152 W Dundee Rd, Barrington Summary of Event/Workday- Set against the stunning backdrop of Longmeadow, this beginner-friendly outing invites you to connect with nature, […]
Come hang out at Eggers Grove for a fun homeschool meet-up! Every third Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm All ages and families are invited to this free event at […]
Kickapoo Woods is a site with beautiful wet prairies in Riverdale, IL. During volunteer days, you can get up close and personal with nature performing a variety of restoration activities. Meet at the volunteer kiosk for a light […]
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 […]
Meet other people who enjoy nature and walking in the woods. We’ll go along the North Branch of the Chicago River to take in the views of the water and […]
Build community and connection through sitting and observing the birds of the Chicago River and Beaubien Woods. Join us for a Bird Sit at Beaubien Woods, hosted by Friends of […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Location- Spring Creek Galloping Hill Meeting Location- Penny Road Pond, Barrington Hills Summary of Event/Workday- Set against the stunning backdrop of Galloping Hill, this beginner-friendly outing invites you to connect […]
Join us for a restorative Trailblazer Walk exploring the forest preserves, native plants, and the healing power of herbal teas. Learn how local trees and herbs support wellness.
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 […]
Kickapoo Woods is a site with beautiful wet prairies in Riverdale, IL. During volunteer days, you can get up close and personal with nature performing a variety of restoration activities. Meet at the volunteer kiosk for a light […]
Join us at Whistler Woods to discover the beauty of its native prairie! We will provide all tools and instructions to collect native seeds and help restore the site’s natural […]
Families and kids of all ages are invited to join us for House Music Hangout at Beaubien Woods! Whether you’re bringing the family, friends, or even yourself, there is something […]
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 […]
Location- Spring Creek Longmeadow Meeting Location- 152 W Dundee Rd, Barrington Summary of Event/Workday- Set against the stunning backdrop of Longmeadow, this beginner-friendly outing invites you to connect with nature, […]
This guided walk is designed to help you leave your daily cares behind, align your chakras, and tap into the deep spiritual meanings hidden in the woods. We will start […]
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 […]