Join us as we cut and burn invasive shrubs. Volunteers will be provided sanitized hand tools used to cut buckthorn, while also burning everything that is cut on a brush pile fire. Face masks are required and we will be socially distant. Meeting location: Main parking lot For your safety and comfort, please follow these […]
Winter brings brush-cutting season to Spring Creek Forest Preserve. Help fellow volunteer clear invasive species, like buckthorn and honeysuckle, from our prairies and woodlands. After cutting back brush, we toss it on a brush pile burn, which has the added benefit of keeping volunteers warm no matter them temperature outside! No experience necessary, volunteers should […]
Owls begin nesting during the month of January, including great horned owls and snowy owls. Owls nest earlier than most birds since they are larger and need more time to grow and mature. Their nests can be found throughout the forest preserves and can be an exciting discovery! But owls are very sensitive - disturbance […]
Come out and explore a few of the areas of Bunker Hill Forest Preserve that are off of the beaten path. Whether you already know Bunker Hill well, or if this is your first time to the preserve, you're sure to see or learn something new on this hike! The exact hiking route will depend […]
Ready to get back outside? We sure are! Please join the Friends community for one of our "mini" bird walks at Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve in Riverdale, led by the Chicago Audubon Society. Considering the weather, this bird walk will only be an hour and a half rather than the usual three hours, hence "mini." […]
Please join the Friends community for our annual photo exhibit - one of our favorite events of the year - but with a whole new twist! Reserve your spot now for "The Preserves in Pixels: A Virtual Photo Exhibit and Panel Discussion" to be held live on Thursday, March 4, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. We'll […]
*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* Many wood decomposing mushrooms - like Turkey Tail, Giraffe Spots, and Trembling Merulius - can survive - and even continue to grow - throughout winter. They’re actually much easier to see now without plant leaves blocking the view! In this webinar, you’ll join Derek Ziomber, North Branch Field Organizer, […]
Have you ever experienced the healing and relaxing benefits of birding? Join Friends and Chicago Audubon Society for an early bird walk at Whistler Woods Forest Preserve. We will be meeting at Whistler Woods, at the end of the parking lot. We will provide binoculars, which will be disinfected before and after use. Come see […]
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. […]
*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* Discover the healing aspects of the forest preserves. Did you know that spending just 20 minutes in a forest preserve, park, or green space makes you happier? It’s true! Our minds are restored, our breathing slows down, and stress begins to leave our bodies. If you feel the need […]
Have you ever experienced the healing and relaxing benefits of birding? Join Friends and Chicago Audubon Society for an early bird walk at Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve. We will be meeting at Kickapoo Woods, at the end of the parking lot. We will provide binoculars, which will be disinfected before and after use. Come see […]
*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* Colorful flowers and attractive scents capture our attention through much of the year. But the real force of plant life is found in seeds! As you traverse winter trails covered by layers of snow and ice, a hidden world beneath your feet is busy preparing for the coming of […]
